Planning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner

GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

16 Jan 2026 at 10:14

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

12 Jan 2026 at 14:05

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Gateshead Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest for a multi-year contract with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner, under the procurement reference IT168. The Council, located in Gateshead, UKC22, aims to integrate AI solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve residents. This procurement, which is in the planning stage, falls under the services category, specifically targeting software package and information systems, as well as IT services such as consulting and software development. Interested parties must submit their completed questionnaires by 23rd January 2026, with the contract scheduled to commence on 1st June 2026 and conclude on 31st May 2031.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses experienced in AI solutions and IT services, particularly those with capabilities in consulting and software development. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will find this opportunity accessible, owing to the suitability notice indicating their inclusion. Successful collaboration could lead to significant growth, given the £6,000,000 gross contract value and the potential for prolonged engagement with a public authority keen on innovating its service delivery through AI applications. Businesses offering innovative AI and IT solutions are well-positioned to benefit from this engagement with Gateshead Council.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner

Notice Description

Gateshead Council is scoping requirements and looking for expressions of interest from suppliers for a multi year contract for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner. This partner would work with the Council to provide innovative opportunities for applying AI in the daily operations of the Council to deliver savings, reduce costs and improve services to residents.

Planning Information

The Council has issued a questionnaire that can be downloaded via the OPEN tender portal, https://www.open-uk.org/opportunities. Interested suppliers will need to register on the portal for access to the questionnaire. Follow up 1-2-1 meetings will be arranged with suppliers who submit completed questionnaires.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003756-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£5,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
16 Jan 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Jan 20263 days to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 May 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@gateshead.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
GATESHEAD
Postcode
NE8 1HH
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC22 Tyneside
Local Authority
Gateshead
Electoral Ward
Bridges
Westminster Constituency
Gateshead Central and Whickham

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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