Planning

Local Democracy Reporting Service Platform

BBC (BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION)

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 May 2026 at 10:14

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

19 May 2026 at 10:05

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

18 May 2026 at 15:01

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), a sub-central government public authority, is in the planning stage for a procurement process titled "Local Democracy Reporting Service Platform." This process, initiated as a tender, is set in London, United Kingdom, and is part of the IT services industry, focusing on consulting, software development, internet, and support. The contracting authority seeks a fully managed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution, which will include hosting, ongoing support, administration, security, and maintenance. A request for information (RFI) is due by 15th June 2026, and future notice is scheduled for 3rd August 2026. The planned contract period starts on 1st January 2028 and ends on 31st December 2031, with potential extensions up to 2032 or 2033.

This tender represents significant opportunities for companies specialising in IT services to collaborate with the BBC and its partners by providing robust solutions that support public service journalism across the UK. Companies that can offer innovative SaaS alternatives, hosting capabilities, and comprehensive support services will find this contract a fitting opportunity, particularly for SMEs and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Engaging in this procurement process could facilitate business growth through long-term association with a reputable institution like the BBC, increasing a company's visibility and expertise within the public sector.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Local Democracy Reporting Service Platform

Notice Description

The BBC is currently considering a fully managed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering and welcomes feedback on alternative approaches where relevant. This must include hosting, ongoing support, administration, security, and maintenance as part of the service. The system will support users across multiple partner organisations based throughout the UK. International access is not required. The service is expected to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. While usage may occur at any time, the primary period of activity is anticipated to be between 10:00 and 20:00. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Authoring Tool is used for the creation and publication of news stories that are shared with Local News Partnership (LNP) partners. Originally commissioned in 2017 and subsequently renewed, the tool is now under review and is scheduled for replacement from January 1, 2028. The portal supports the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a public service news agency funded by the BBC, delivered by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. All partners operate to common editorial standards and publish content into a shared system. Please review the RFI document uploaded on to the Jaggaer e-tendering platform.

Planning Information

This is a request for information related to Local Democracy Reporting Services Platform. Further information and details on how to submit the RFI can be found at https://bbc.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069b3a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045670-2026
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, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Aug 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2028 - 31 Dec 2031 4-5 years
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
BBC (BRITISH BROADCASTING CORPORATION)
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
W1A 1AA
Post Town
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
West End
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069b3a-2026-05-19T11:14:05+01:00",
    "date": "2026-05-19T11:14:05+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069b3a",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PJRB-3233-GTQL",
            "name": "BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PJRB-3233-GTQL"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Broadcasting House, Portland Place",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "W1A 1AA",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "no_reply@bbc.co.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.bbc.co.uk/supplying/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PJRB-3233-GTQL",
        "name": "BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "This is a request for information related to Local Democracy Reporting Services Platform. Further information and details on how to submit the RFI can be found at https://bbc.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html",
                "dueDate": "2026-06-15T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "045456-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045456-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-18T16:01:27+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "045664-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045664-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-19T11:05:22+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "045670-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045670-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-05-19T11:14:05+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-069b3a",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Local Democracy Reporting Service Platform",
        "description": "The BBC is currently considering a fully managed Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) offering and welcomes feedback on alternative approaches where relevant. This must include hosting, ongoing support, administration, security, and maintenance as part of the service. The system will support users across multiple partner organisations based throughout the UK. International access is not required. The service is expected to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. While usage may occur at any time, the primary period of activity is anticipated to be between 10:00 and 20:00. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) Authoring Tool is used for the creation and publication of news stories that are shared with Local News Partnership (LNP) partners. Originally commissioned in 2017 and subsequently renewed, the tool is now under review and is scheduled for replacement from January 1, 2028. The portal supports the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a public service news agency funded by the BBC, delivered by the local news sector, and used by qualifying partners. All partners operate to common editorial standards and publish content into a shared system. Please review the RFI document uploaded on to the Jaggaer e-tendering platform.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72000000",
                        "description": "IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 0,
            "amount": 0,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2028-01-01T00:00:00+00:00",
                    "endDate": "2031-12-31T23:59:59+00:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2032-12-31T23:59:59+00:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-08-03T23:59:59+01:00"
        },
        "status": "planning",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "045664-2026",
                "description": "Contract length will be 3 with optional +1+1 (5 years). Automatic notice calculator states 6 years which is incorrect."
            },
            {
                "id": "045670-2026",
                "description": "Contract length will be 3 with optional +1+1 (5 years). Automatic notice calculator states 6 years which is incorrect."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}