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IBM zVM Mainframe Support Services

MET OFFICE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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26 Feb 2026 at 14:36

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Met Office, a public authority within central government, located in Exeter, UK, has completed a direct award procurement process for IBM zVM Mainframe Support Services. The contract was awarded directly to Computacenter (UK) Limited, a large supplier based in Hatfield, in alignment with prior competition under the CCS framework agreement (RM6068). The legal basis follows UK legislation from 2023. The services include support for IBM zVM mainframe hardware and software over a two-year term starting 1st April 2026 and ending 31st March 2028. The decision was influenced by Computacenter's extensive six-year management of these services and the pricing and technical considerations limiting competitive interest. Upcoming significant milestones include the contract's official signature scheduled for 9th March 2026.

This contract offers substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in repair and maintenance, notably those with expertise in IBM mainframe systems. Technological firms with a focus on legacy systems and software support may find this contract particularly beneficial, given the complexity and bespoke nature of the services required. As the mainframes host critical services like the Oracle estate for the Met Office, the procurement process underlines the sustained reliance on experienced providers for continuity and risk mitigation. Despite potential interests in early decommissioning (Project River), the stable two-year support period ensures predictability for service and contract management enterprises looking to cement relationships with high-profile public sector clients.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

IBM zVM Mainframe Support Services

Notice Description

Support services to IBM zVM mainframe hardware and software for a period of two years.

Procurement Information

Computacenter was selected via a further competition on the CCS framework agreement for Technical Products and Associated Services (RM6068) in 2020 to supply the existing 2 x IBM LinuxOne zVM mainframe hardware and associated software and hardware support. The mainframes are owned by the Met Office and host many key services including the entirety of the Oracle estate. Historically, at the end of an agreed period of licensing and support of mainframe systems, new mainframes were purchased however Met Office subsequently renewed Support through Computacenter Ltd in 2024, for a further two years, via the TePAS2 framework (RM6098). Computacenter have successfully managed the IBM support for the past six years and there would be limited benefit in competing on-going licencing and support for the next two years. Pricing of the licensing and support is determined directly by IBM so any further competition could have limited value. Price would be on the basis of list pricing and reseller margin so there could be limited variation in terms of any pricing submitted. The mainframes are also aged which could reduce any market interest in bidding for the support services given the associated technical risks. Project River, within the wider PMLSR programme, has a remit to outline a roadmap that would lead to the eventual de-commissioning of z/VM. Change is underway and the proposed target date is the end of FY 27/28. Again, this might impact the interest of the market given the high likelihood that the contract will need to be terminated early.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065d2f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017408-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

50 - Repair and maintenance services

CPV Codes

50300000 - Repair, maintenance and associated services related to personal computers, office equipment, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£608,949 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
MET OFFICE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX1 3PB
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Exeter
Electoral Ward
Pinhoe
Westminster Constituency
Exmouth and Exeter East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

COMPUTACENTER (UK

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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