Notice Information
Notice Title
AIRR Expansion AI Cloud Compute
Notice Description
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is responsible for delivering the UK's ambitions set out in the AI Opportunities Action Plan, and the UK Compute Roadmap, including expanding the existing advanced compute capacity of the AI Research Resource (AIRR). AIRR currently comprises of two AI-optimised supercomputers (Dawn at University of Cambridge and Isambard-AI at University of Bristol). The UK government has committed to expanding this compute capacity 20x by 2030 through a blended portfolio that combines on-premises systems with cloud-based compute. The procurement is focused on: Scaling access to AI-appropriate compute for UK researchers, SMEs and public bodies; Supporting innovation across the UK digital and research ecosystem; Enhancing flexibility to match varying workload and user needs. DSIT intends to procure a single supplier in a managed service provider capacity to integrate cloud compute resources into the existing AIRR ecosystem. This shall be conducted via a two-stage competitive selection process of Lot 6 suppliers on the CCS framework RM6190 Technology Services 4. The successful supplier shall be responsible for: Strategic Cloud Brokerage and Aggregation - managing relationships and subcontracts with Cloud Service Providers (CSPs), ensuring flexible and cost-effective access to accelerated compute. AIRR Cloud Platform integration - developing a platform layer that integrates with the existing AIRRPortal and provides user support and usage visibility. Managed Services including optimisation, forecasting, security, reporting and operation management. DSIT anticipates that the successful supplier will be required over the duration of the contract to establish and manage subcontracts with a range of CSPs to meet diverse workload needs across the AIRR programme. In addition, the supplier may also utilise their own internal cloud resources, where appropriate, to fulfil the requirements and ensure optimal service delivery. The competition process is being designed under CCS Tech Services 4 Lot 6. Suppliers on Lot 6 TS4 may wish to begin exploring potential CSP partnerships in advance of this procurement at their own risk.
Planning Information
DSIT, in collaboration with CCS, shall host a webinar on 10th February 2026 at 10:00AM with suppliers on Lot 6 Tech Services 4. DSIT is seeking feedback on: The Feasibility of the delivery partner model Proposed timelines Commercial and Technical Assumptions Supplier capacity and interest.
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-05a227
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009957-2026
- Current Stage
- Planning
- All Stages
- Planning
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
- Procurement Type
- Standard
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Open
- Procurement Method Details
- Competitive flexible procedure
- Tender Suitability
- SME, VCSE
- Awardee Scale
- Not specified
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
-
- CPV Codes
72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
72315000 - Data network management and support services
72317000 - Data storage services
72416000 - Application service providers
72500000 - Computer-related services
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- £214,439,710 £100M-£1B
- Lots Value
- £214,439,710 £100M-£1B
- Awards Value
- Not specified
- Contracts Value
- Not specified
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 4 Feb 20262 weeks ago
- Submission Deadline
- 30 Nov 2025Expired
- Future Notice Date
- 4 Nov 2025Expired
- Award Date
- Not specified
- Contract Period
- 22 Jun 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Planned
- Lots Status
- Planned
- Awards Status
- Not Specified
- Contracts Status
- Not Specified
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
- Contact Name
- Not specified
- Contact Email
- compute@dsit.gov.uk
- Contact Phone
- Not specified
Buyer Location
- Locality
- LONDON
- Postcode
- SW1A 2EG
- Post Town
- 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
Further Information
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009957-2026
4th February 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081657-2025
10th December 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081554-2025
10th December 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/078492-2025
1st December 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075900-2025
21st November 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060026-2025
26th September 2025 - Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059707-2025
25th September 2025 - Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
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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