Network Strategy SD-WAN & Security Service Edge (SSE)

GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC)

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

20 May 2026 at 15:30

TenderUpdate

07 May 2026 at 10:04

Tender

28 Apr 2026 at 08:48

Planning

09 Mar 2026 at 15:15

Summary of the contracting process

The General Medical Council (GMC) is actively seeking a new provider to enhance its Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure by transitioning to a more dynamic Cloud-based Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Security Service Edge (SSE) solution. This procurement process, under the open procedure method, is managed by GMC and is at the tender update stage. It aims to optimise connectivity and support the GMC's hybrid working model, benefiting approximately 1,800 staff across multiple UK sites including Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. The procurement, which is valued at GBP 1,500,000 gross, has the submission deadline extended to 28th May 2026, with the potential contract start date set for 20th July 2026, lasting initially until 19th July 2029, including options for two one-year extensions.

For businesses specialising in network solutions, this tender presents a significant opportunity to implement a flexible SD-WAN and comprehensive SASE architecture. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in delivering multi-site network solutions and have the capability to provide centralised management for WAN and SSE technologies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to apply, as the tender is suitable for them. This contract not only offers substantial revenue potential but also an avenue for establishing a long-term partnership with a major public sector body like the GMC, advocating innovation in network management and security service integration.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Network Strategy SD-WAN & Security Service Edge (SSE)

Notice Description

Background information The current WAN solution is coming to the end of the contract and GMC are looking to move to a new provider and a new WAN Solution across all GMC sites. We have approx. 1,800 staff who work in a remote working hybrid model with only 20% of these are onsite at any one-time. Remote workers connect via VPN into the Manchester and London Datacentres. We are therefore inviting bids from suppliers who can meet the requirements outlined in the sections detailed in the required Lots below. The current GMC WAN adopts point to point ethernet technology and the strategic roadmap is to move to a more flexible Cloud based SD-WAN model. GMC locations: - London - Regent's Place, 350 Euston Road, London, NW1 3JN - Manchester - 3 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3AW - Manchester - 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Manchester - St James's Buildings, 79 Oxford Street Manchester, M1 6FQ - Edinburgh - The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ - Cardiff - Caspian Point 2, Caspian Way, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4DQ - Belfast - Bedford House, 16-22 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7FD. Current Wide Area & Internet Networks The GMC operates from 7 main site in the UK and N. Ireland, namely Manchester (x3), London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. - All sites operate on structured cabling systems, the standard being Cat 6. - The current GMC WAN is comprised of 7 sites connected together using Ethernet point to point services. This is a manged WAN with service provider Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) at each site. - 4 of sites have secondary backup circuits (Manchester 3HS, Manchester 3HSQ, Manchester SJB and London) - 2 of the sites provide direct internet connectivity (Manchester 3HS and London). Deployment, support and management of the site LAN is not included within the scope. The GMC will perform this function, but the supplier(s) may be required to provide advice and guidance on end-to-end performance as needed. This may involve liaison activities, advice and guidance on network development e.g. traffic prioritisation and shaping, implementation of Quality of Service for the transport of Voice, Video and Unified Comms traffic across the LAN/WAN. For information, the components in the LAN are Cisco Catalyst 9600 and 9300 switches providing core, distribution, and access. We are looking to procure: - A customer managed SD-WAN/SSE solution with accompanying Professional Services. - The scope includes the licensing, supply, implementation and support of software, virtual appliances and physical edge appliances that enable the GMC to manage all WAN and security policies centrally via a single pane of glass. The Tenderers shall provide a phased professional services engagement designed to transform the current network architecture. The engagement is divided into two distinct milestones: - Phase 1 (SD-WAN Foundations). Implementation of an application aware network overlay to optimise connectivity and site reliability - Phase 2 (SSE integration): The subsequent overlay of cloud-delivered security services to achieve a complete SASE architecture.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Option to extend by 2 periods of 12 months.

Planning Information

GMC will undertake targeted engagement. Suppliers with proven experience in delivering multi-site SD-WAN solutions are invited to express their interest at gmctenders@gmc-uk.org

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06658c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046630-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender 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

72720000 - Wide area network services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,250,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,250,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
28 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
20 Apr 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
19 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M3 3AW
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Deansgate
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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