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AI3 Delivery Partners Project - Lot 3: AI Operations

Department for Business and Trade

This public procurement record has 7 releases in its history.

Award

29 Sep 2026 at 12:59

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

29 Sep 2026 at 12:58

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

29 Sep 2026 at 12:57

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

31 Jul 2026 at 16:51

UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Tender

16 Oct 2025 at 15:32

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

18 Aug 2025 at 15:25

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

18 Aug 2025 at 15:21

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is buying specialist digital, data and technology consultancy to support its AI³ programme, which identifies, tests, develops and evaluates artificial intelligence use cases within the department. The procurement was divided into three delivery areas: AI Lab, AI Factory and AI Operations. The AI Operations work covers maintaining, scaling and putting AI solutions into operational use. The services are for DBT’s DDaT team and are delivered in the United Kingdom. This is a focused opportunity for suppliers working in AI delivery and operations, rather than a general technology supply contract.

The procurement is complete and contracts have been awarded and signed. DBT awarded AI Lab to The Dot Collective, AI Factory to Version 1 Solutions Limited, and AI Operations to CACI Ltd. Each lot was awarded at £3 million excluding VAT (£3.6 million including VAT). The award date was 31 July 2026. The contracts run from September 2026 to 31 August 2028, with an option to extend by up to 12 months. The competitive flexible procedure used three stages: participation checks, a quality-and-price assessment, then a final scenario and social value assessment. Quality and price were combined at the second stage; the final decision used price per quality point. Suppliers could bid for and win only one lot. Four bids reached the final stage for AI Lab, five for AI Factory and two for AI Operations.

For suppliers considering similar future work for DBT, this award shows demand for specialist capability across AI development support, AI factory delivery and the operational maintenance and scaling of AI solutions. A credible competitor would need demonstrable expertise, robust resourcing, effective ways of working and the ability to build DBT’s internal capability. The evaluation also tested responses to delivery scenarios, pricing and social value, including skills for growth and training people facing barriers to employment. Suppliers need the financial standing and insurance required by DBT, appropriate data-protection resources and processes, and strong subcontractor and supply-chain management where relevant. Cyber Essentials Plus or equivalent and ISO 27001 compliance were required, alongside modern-slavery compliance and sound conflict-of-interest controls. The procurement was open to SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

AI3 Delivery Partners Project - Lot 3: AI Operations

Notice Description

This Contract between the Buyer and the Supplier is for the supply of Deliverables through the sourcing of specialist expertise to support the delivery of the Buyer's Digital, Data and Technology team's development of its 'AI3 model, which aims to identify, test, develop and evaluate use cases for applying artificial intelligence within the Department for Business and Trade. This Contract relates to Lot 3: AI Operations, consisting of the maintenance, scaling, and operationalisation of AI solutions.

Lot Information

AI Lab

Renewal: Optional extensions to the initial period is 12 months. If the contract is extended, estimated value for maximum extension period is PS1,000,000 excluding VAT for each lot. A notice of 3 months must be given as a minimum.

AI Factory

Renewal: Optional extensions to the initial period is 12 months. If the contract is extended, estimated value for maximum extension period is PS1,000,000 excluding VAT for each lot. A notice of 3 months must be given as a minimum.

AI Operations

Renewal: Optional extensions to the initial period is 12 months. If the contract is extended, estimated value for maximum extension period is PS1,000,000 excluding VAT for each lot. A notice of 3 months must be given as a minimum.

Planning Information

A pre-market engagement full-day session is intended to take place online on the 10th of September 2025. It is designed to provide potential suppliers with a comprehensive understanding of the upcoming commercial opportunity. The event will begin with a presentation outlining the nature of the requirement, including its strategic context, background, and the business drivers behind the need. Suppliers attending will gain insight into the proposed contracting model, including delivery expectations for each lot, and any innovative or flexible approaches being considered. The session will also include an overview of the procurement process, covering each stage through to contract award. A timeline will be shared to help suppliers plan their engagement, alongside guidance on how to bid effectively — including Social Value requirements, base evaluation criteria, and tips for submitting a strong tender response. The day is intended to encourage early dialogue, and ensure suppliers are well-informed and positioned to contribute to the process. It also offers an opportunity for DBT to gauge supplier capability, appetite, and potential innovation before formal procurement begins. To express interest in attending the event and receive joining instructions - please contact commercialddat@businessandtrade.gov.uk

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0589f1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/091856-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large, SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£9,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£3,000,000 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Sep 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
9 Oct 2025Expired
Award Date
31 Jul 20262 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Department for Business and Trade
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2DY
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
3
Supplier Names

The Dot Collective

Version 1 Solutions Limited

CACI Ltd

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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