Planning

Provision of IT Managed Service

COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

16 Dec 2025 at 15:46

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority has announced a planned procurement process for the provision of IT managed services. This process, currently in the planning stage, aims to secure comprehensive IT management, support, and consultancy services, ensuring efficiency, security, and innovation across the authority's operations. The procurement process follows an open procedure, inviting potential suppliers under the "services" procurement category, specifically targeting IT services such as consulting, software development, and internet support. Located in Durham, United Kingdom, the procurement process anticipates contract commencement on 1st September 2026, with completion by 31st August 2029. Suppliers can explore opportunities for contract extension up to a maximum of four additional years. Relevant deadlines include the end of the tender period on 30th April 2026 and the award period conclusion by 30th May 2026.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for IT managed service providers, especially those experienced in supporting public authorities and capable of delivering 24/7 helpdesk support, proactive system maintenance, cybersecurity management, and cloud services optimization. The tender is well-suited for SMEs, providing an accessible entry point for smaller businesses with niche expertise in IT consultancy and strategic planning. Engaging in this procurement process can enhance business growth by establishing relationships with a key public authority and gaining recognition in the managed services sector. Interested businesses should possess the capability to meet evolving IT infrastructure needs while ensuring business continuity planning is effectively managed. The contract allows for electronic submission of invoices and ensures payment within 30 days, encouraging efficient financial transactions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of IT Managed Service

Notice Description

Introduction This planned procurement notice is issued to inform potential suppliers of an upcoming opportunity to provide IT Managed Services. The contracting authority is seeking to engage a qualified service provider to deliver comprehensive IT management, support, and consultancy across its operations. Background The contracting authority currently operates a range of IT systems and infrastructure essential to the delivery of its services. To ensure continued efficiency, security, and innovation, the authority intends to appoint a specialist IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) capable of supporting both current and future requirements. Scope of Services Will include, but is not limited to: * 24/7 IT helpdesk support * Proactive monitoring and maintenance of networks, servers, and end-user devices * Cybersecurity management, including threat detection and response * Cloud services management and optimisation * Software and hardware asset management * IT consultancy and strategic planning * Backup, Disaster recovery and business continuity planning * Regular reporting and performance reviews Procurement Process The procurement will be conducted in accordance with applicable PA23 regulations. Further details, including premarket engagement, tender process, evaluation criteria, and timelines, will be set out in the forthcoming notices.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Extension periods will be available for up to a maximum of 4 years from the original contract end date and will be issued on a yearly basis. Extension periods will be granted to the supplier based on the contract being fulfilled to a satisfactory level and will be subject to regular reviews.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f704
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083492-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
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

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Dec 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
30 Apr 20265 months to go
Future Notice Date
2 Mar 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 2029 3-4 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
COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON FIRE AND RESCUE AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@ddfire.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 1TW
Post Town
Durham
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Belmont
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05f704-2025-12-16T15:46:16Z",
    "date": "2025-12-16T15:46:16Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05f704",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "planning": {
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "083492-2025",
                "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK3",
                "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083492-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-16T15:46:16Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PHZD-9911-YYLH",
            "name": "County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PHZD-9911-YYLH"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Service HQ",
                "locality": "Durham",
                "postalCode": "DH1 1TW",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKC14"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "procurement@ddfire.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.ddfire.gov.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PHZD-9911-YYLH",
        "name": "County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Authority"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "PA005-161225",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Provision of IT Managed Service",
        "description": "Introduction This planned procurement notice is issued to inform potential suppliers of an upcoming opportunity to provide IT Managed Services. The contracting authority is seeking to engage a qualified service provider to deliver comprehensive IT management, support, and consultancy across its operations. Background The contracting authority currently operates a range of IT systems and infrastructure essential to the delivery of its services. To ensure continued efficiency, security, and innovation, the authority intends to appoint a specialist IT Managed Service Provider (MSP) capable of supporting both current and future requirements. Scope of Services Will include, but is not limited to: * 24/7 IT helpdesk support * Proactive monitoring and maintenance of networks, servers, and end-user devices * Cybersecurity management, including threat detection and response * Cloud services management and optimisation * Software and hardware asset management * IT consultancy and strategic planning * Backup, Disaster recovery and business continuity planning * Regular reporting and performance reviews Procurement Process The procurement will be conducted in accordance with applicable PA23 regulations. Further details, including premarket engagement, tender process, evaluation criteria, and timelines, will be set out in the forthcoming notices.",
        "status": "planned",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72000000",
                        "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKC",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-04-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-05-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "planned",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-09-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-08-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-08-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Extension periods will be available for up to a maximum of 4 years from the original contract end date and will be issued on a yearly basis. Extension periods will be granted to the supplier based on the contract being fulfilled to a satisfactory level and will be subject to regular reviews."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-03-02T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "contractTerms": {
            "financialTerms": "Payment of undisputed invoices will be made within 30 days of a valid invoice being submitted electronically to finance@ddfire.gov.uk Invoices must be submitted in a valid format to be accepted."
        }
    },
    "language": "en"
}