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MASS HPSS Support

Met Office

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

05 Nov 2025 at 10:56

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

13 Oct 2025 at 10:39

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Award

24 Sep 2025 at 14:48

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Met Office, a central government authority based in Exeter, has completed the procurement process to renew its support for the IBM High Performance Storage System (HPSS) software integral to its Managed Archive Storage System (MASS). This procurement falls under the services category and encompasses a direct award method due to the proprietary nature of the software, with IBM as the supplier. The contract, valued at approximately £473,942, runs from 1st January to 30th June 2026 and covers repair and maintenance services primarily delivered in areas across the United Kingdom. Key dates include the contract signing on 7th October 2025, with notices published on 5th November and 13th October 2025.

This procurement provides a growth opportunity, especially for large businesses specialising in high-performance computing systems and archival storage solutions. Given the direct award to IBM Limited for its proprietary HPSS software, businesses interested in competing in future tenders may benefit from developing niche solutions that address complex requirements in storing and managing large volumes of scientific data. Companies offering cutting-edge repair and maintenance services, along with technical expertise in supercomputing systems, will be well-positioned to engage in similar opportunities with organisations like the Met Office.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

MASS HPSS Support

Notice Description

The Managed Archive Storage System (MASS) and associated infrastructure is a critical adjunct to the supercomputer system. MASS is the sole long-term archive for Met Office operational and scientific research data. A key element of the MASS is IBM HPSS (High Performance Storage System) software which is the Storage Management product developed to interface with tape libraries. The procurement is for a renewal of support to the HPSS software for a period of 6 months from 1st January to 30th June 2026.

Procurement Information

HPSS software is proprietary to IBM.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a136
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071167-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50000000 - Repair and maintenance services

50300000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to personal computers, office equipment, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£473,942 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£473,942 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Nov 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
24 Sep 202511 months ago
Contract Period
1 Jan 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Met Office
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX1 3PB
Postcode Area
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Pinhoe
Westminster Constituency
Exmouth and Exeter East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

IBM LIMITED

IBM UNITED KINGDOM LIMITED

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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