This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

20 May 2026 at 08:02

Award

21 Apr 2026 at 14:11

Summary of the contracting process

The Met Office, acting as the buying organisation, has completed a direct award contract with IBM Limited for the provision of software support services specifically related to the IBM HPSS software utilised by the Met Office's MASS system. This procurement falls under the services category and covers repair and maintenance services. The contract, valued at £298,584 gross, runs from 1st July to 30th September 2026. The rationale behind the direct award is due to IBM holding exclusive intellectual property rights over the software, making them the sole provider capable of delivering the support required. The Met Office is based in Exeter, UK, while IBM Limited's operational hub is located in Winchester, UK.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses engaged in providing specialised software support, particularly those that work with proprietary systems like IBM's HPSS. However, due to the exclusive nature of this contract, opportunities for other businesses could be limited to subcontracting roles with IBM or exploring other areas of collaboration with the Met Office. Large enterprises with specific expertise in repair and maintenance services tied to proprietary software may find potential growth areas through partnerships that address ancillary needs or future collaborations in similar high-technology solutions.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

MASS HPSS Software Support 2026

Notice Description

Provision of software support from IBM from 1st July - 30th September 2026.

Procurement Information

IBM HPSS software which sits on top of Met Office MASS is proprietary to IBM so no other supplier is in a position to provide support.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06879e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046036-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details 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

50000000 - Repair and maintenance services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£248,819 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
£248,820 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Apr 20262 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 30 Sep 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

IBM

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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