Planning

Semi-Conductor Study

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Apr 2026 at 15:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology is in the planning stage of its tender process for a project titled "Semi-Conductor Study" within the services industry category, specifically related to research services. Located in London, the department aims to conduct a scoping study to assess the viability and operation of a Hardware Security Research Platform funded through ISF over a three-year period. Interested parties are invited to join a pre-market engagement session scheduled for 14th May 2026 to gain insights into the project scope, ask questions, and potentially participate in an informal Request For Information (RFI) process. The deadline for engagement is set for 15th May 2026, with further tender communications anticipated by 29th May 2026. The project, initially conceptualised in 2025 by UK and US government and industry, requires evidence to support decision-making by investment approvers.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses within the semiconductor and hardware security sectors to engage in a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating commercial adoption of security solutions. Companies with research and development capabilities, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), could benefit from the potential to establish and manage the platform, enhancing their credibility and market presence in both UK and potentially US markets. The preliminary exploration provides a chance for companies to align their expertise with government aspirations, paving the way for future collaboration and innovation in hardware security, fostering growth through access to industry-grade resources and participation in a pivotal research ecosystem.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Semi-Conductor Study

Notice Description

The Semiconductor Unit in DSIT has secured ISF funding over 3 years for a Hardware Security Research Platform. Its aim is to accelerate commercial adoption of hardware security solutions by lowering the cost of solutions development, facilitating researcher/industry engagement, and researcher access to industry-grade resources and tape-outs. The project idea was developed by UK and US government and industry in early 2025 and is currently at concept stage. We require a scoping study to provide DSIT with sufficient evidence to satisfy internal investment approvers and to shape a call for candidate organisations to bid to establish and run the platform itself. The study should broadly cover analysis and actionable recommendations on the viability, structure, and operation of a hardware security research platform. The study should evidence optimal structural, operational, and costs /financial models; identify specific services and infrastructure needed to support the platform and its target users; and assess potential risks, liabilities, and performance metrics. As the platform was originally conceived as a joint UK-US project, the study should also outline platform feasibility with both UK and US involvement, and UK-only.

Planning Information

We plan to hold a pre-market engagement session 14th May 16:00 - 17:00 GMT. This will include a slidedeck outlining the project and expectations from the potentail supplier, Q&A Session and potentially an RFI (Request For Information). Please get in touch with matthew.findlow@dsit.gov.uk if you would like to join the session.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068d33
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038788-2026
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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Apr 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
29 May 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
27 Aug 2026 - 28 Mar 2027 6-12 months
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
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
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
SW1A 2EG
Post Town
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

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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