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Procurement of Data Research Repository Replacement Proof of Concept

DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

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25 Mar 2026 at 07:22

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has completed the procurement stage for its Data Research Repository Replacement Proof of Concept. This procurement falls under the IT software package category and focuses on goods, utilizing the G-Cloud 14 framework to commission a cloud solution. The contract, valued at £37,438 excluding VAT, was awarded to Elsevier B.V for a short-term, three-month project starting in January 2026. This direct award was justified under regulation 32(2)(b) of the PCR 2015 due to technical reasons that limit competitive bidding. Located in the UK, the procurement ensures transparency and accountability in handling Defra’s research outputs.

This tender represents a prime opportunity for businesses specialising in cloud-based IT solutions and research repository services. Companies with expertise in developing compliant platforms that offer transparency and effectively manage research outputs can benefit from engaging with government projects such as this. SMEs, particularly those within the UK or EU offering specialised software packages under the G-Cloud framework, are well-positioned to compete for Defra's future procurement needs, potentially leading to extended contracts if additional approvals are secured.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Procurement of Data Research Repository Replacement Proof of Concept

Notice Description

Procurement of a discrete Proof of Concept through a compliant CCS Framework

Lot Information

Lot 1

Defra has a legal obligation to publish its research outputs on compliant platforms and to manage its R&D programme with transparency, auditability, and accountability--demonstrating the value and impact of public investment. As part of Discovery work, a Proof of Concept exercise was run through a compliant framework for a short-term period (three months) to understand and test the requirements needed to support a future procurement exercise.
Discussions were held with Project team to understand the market and potential solutions that would meet the requirements. Given the requirements for a Cloud solution, it was felt that the use of the G-Cloud 14 framework offered the best route to market for the purchase of the exploratory pilot Research Repository Service. A downselect was conducted via G-Cloud 14 in accordance with the Framework terms.

Although this is a call-off from the G-Cloud 14 Framework, the justification for this Direct Award is under regulation 32 (2) (b) of the PCR 2015 for use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication is against reason ii) "competition is absent for technical reasons" - the Call Off has downselected on technical criteria against a list of suppliers in accordance with the framework.

The value of the contract is a total contract value of PS37,438.00 (ex VAT) for a three- month period. Additional information: Defra has a legal obligation to publish its research outputs on compliant platforms and to manage its R&D programme with transparency, auditability, and accountability--demonstrating the value and impact of public investment. As part of Discovery work, a Proof of Concept exercise was run through a compliant framework for a short-term period (three months) to understand and test the requirements needed to support a future procurement exercise.
Discussions were held with Project team to understand the market and potential solutions that would meet the requirements. Given the requirements for a Cloud solution, it was felt that the use of the G-Cloud 14 framework offered the best route to market for the purchase of the exploratory pilot Research Repository Service. A downselect was conducted via G-Cloud 14 in accordance with the Framework terms.

Although this is a call-off from the G-Cloud 14 Framework, the justification for this Direct Award is under regulation 32 (2) (b) of the PCR 2015 for use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication is against reason ii) "competition is absent for technical reasons" - the Call Off has downselected on technical criteria against a list of suppliers in accordance with the framework.

The value of the contract is a total contract value of PS37,438.00 (ex VAT) for a three- month period.

Options: 1 Year Extension is available if the Authority requires subject to additional approvals

Procurement Information

Defra has a legal obligation to publish its research outputs on compliant platforms and to manage its R&D programme with transparency, auditability, and accountability--demonstrating the value and impact of public investment. As part of Discovery work, a Proof of Concept exercise was run through a compliant framework for a short-term period (three months) to understand and test the requirements needed to support a future procurement exercise.<br/>Discussions were held with Project team to understand the market and potential solutions that would meet the requirements. Given the requirements for a Cloud solution, it was felt that the use of the G-Cloud 14 framework offered the best route to market for the purchase of the exploratory pilot Research Repository Service. A downselect was conducted via G-Cloud 14 in accordance with the Framework terms.<br/><br/>Although this is a call-off from the G-Cloud 14 Framework, the justification for this Direct Award is under regulation 32 (2) (b) of the PCR 2015 for use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication is against reason ii) "competition is absent for technical reasons" - the Call Off has downselected on technical criteria against a list of suppliers in accordance with the framework.<br/><br/>The value of the contract is a total contract value of PS37,438.00 (ex VAT) for a three- month period.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-067360
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027091-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

48517000 - IT software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£37,438 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Mar 20266 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT, FOOD & RURAL AFFAIRS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 4DF
Postcode Area
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Elsevier B.V.

Further Information

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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