Award

UKRI-5282 Provision of Netpaths to STFC

UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

17 Dec 2025 at 14:26

Award

17 Dec 2025 at 11:38

Summary of the contracting process

The UKRI has completed its procurement process titled "UKRI-5282 Provision of Netpaths to STFC," which falls under the services category in the IT industry. This contract was awarded to JISC Services Limited, ensuring secure and cost-effective Netpaths connectivity to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) via the JANET network. The procurement method was a direct award, based on the rationale that suitable alternatives would present compatibility challenges. Situated in Swindon, Wiltshire, the contract from UK Research & Innovation (UKRI) exemplifies central government authority procurement. Key dates include the award notice publication on 17th December 2025, a contract start date of 6th January 2026, and an end date on 31st July 2029.

This tender presents opportunities for companies offering IT services, consulting, software development, and Internet support, especially with a specialisation in secure network connectivity solutions. The involvement of JISC Services Limited, a large-scale supplier, indicates that medium-sized enterprises may also find opportunities to collaborate or subcontract, reducing barriers to entry and promoting innovation in international research collaborations. The suitability options encourage involvement from SMEs and VCSEs, broadening the potential benefit across diverse business sectors focused on growth and technical advancement.

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Notice Title

UKRI-5282 Provision of Netpaths to STFC

Notice Description

This procurement provides secure, cost-effective Netpaths connectivity to STFC via the JANET network. The services support critical international research collaborations, including high-capacity links for the Worldwide LHC Computing Grid and the LOFAR radio astronomy programme.

Procurement Information

The contract will be awarded via a Single Source Direct Award, as the use of alternative suppliers would result in disproportionate technical compatibility challenges, and no suitable substitutes are available that can fully meet the organisation's operational and technical requirements.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f7a1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083907-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

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
£750,000 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
6 Jan 2026 - 31 Jul 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH & INNOVATION (UKRI)
Contact Name
STFC Procurement
Contact Email
stfcprocurement@ukri.org
Contact Phone
+44 1793442000

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

JISC SERVICES

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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