Award

UKRI-5157 Consultancy Services

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

21 Nov 2025 at 10:55

Award

05 Nov 2025 at 10:20

Award

31 Oct 2025 at 16:56

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process executed by UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) involved the direct award of a contract to provide highly specialised consultancy services in physical, cyber, and national security domains. This contract, titled "UKRI-5157 Consultancy Services," was aimed at supporting the NQCC facility and Harwell Campus QUILT Facilities, emphasizing the unique requirement for DV-cleared expertise. The contracting authority is a central government entity located in Swindon, United Kingdom, operating under the legal basis of UK legislation 2023/54. The direct procurement method was chosen due to the sensitive nature of the work and the specific recommendation by GCHQ, with the award made to Tom Murdoch Consulting as the only suitable provider, ensuring compliance with national security protocols. The procurement stage has been completed, with the contract signed on 21st November 2025, effective from 22nd November 2025 to 30th July 2027, with a total value of £192,000.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses offering niche consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in national security and cybersecurity. Companies that possess specialised qualifications, such as DV-clearance, and a proven track record in handling sensitive government projects, stand to benefit greatly from similar contracts. While this contract was awarded directly, indicating the value of unique expertise and governmental recommendations, businesses that cultivate strong relationships with governmental bodies and demonstrate unparalleled proficiency in their specialised domains could position themselves as viable contenders for future tenders of a similar nature.

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Notice Title

UKRI-5157 Consultancy Services

Notice Description

UK Research and Innovation had a requirement for highly specialist Physical, Cyber and National Security consultancy services to support the NQCC facility and Harwell Campus QUILT Facilities.

Procurement Information

UK Research and Innovation had a requirement for highly specialist Physical, Cyber and National Security consultancy services to support the NQCC facility and Harwell Campus QUILT Facilities. Due to the classified nature of the work and the need for DV-cleared expertise, GCHQ specifically recommended Tom Murdoch Consulting as the only suitable provider. A competitive tender would risk critical disruption to national security operations and delay essential accreditation, making a direct award the only viable option.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d878
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075931-2025
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
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79417000 - Safety consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£160,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Oct 20254 months ago
Contract Period
22 Nov 2025 - 30 Jul 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
STFC Procurement
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON, WILTSHIRE
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

TOM MURDOCH CONSULTING

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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