This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

18 Jun 2026 at 07:52

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, led by the Bernicia Group based in Ashington, UK, involves the award of a contract for cybersecurity software titled "Cyber Security Software." Operating in the services industry category, the procurement addresses critical cybersecurity needs within the organisation's existing infrastructure. This is a completed stage of the process with a direct award procurement method, and the decision was made to award the contract to Darktrace Holdings Limited. The contract, valued at £1,118,180, is set to run from 1st October 2026 to 30th September 2029, with potential extensions up to 2032. The award announcement was published on 18th June 2026, and the signature of the contract is scheduled by 1st July 2026.

This tender presents substantial business opportunities, particularly for companies within the cybersecurity sector who specialise in artificial intelligence-driven solutions. Enterprises of a large scale that can provide extensive integration and customisation capabilities would find themselves well-suited for participation in similar tenders. The focus on maintaining uninterrupted cybersecurity services and avoiding potential disruptions makes it crucial for suppliers to exhibit a strong, innovative track record with minimal switching costs. As Bernicia Group values seamless integration of services essential for their infrastructure protection, businesses in cybersecurity that offer comprehensive AI solutions for network, identity management, and email security can anticipate significant growth and partnership opportunities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Cyber Security Software

Notice Description

Darktrace is a cybersecurity software platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to detect, respond to, and prevent cyber treats in real time. The software learns our business's normal behaviour and autonomously detects and responds to cyber threats, including previously unseen attacks.

Procurement Information

Cyber Security is a business-critical service, and any disruption would expose the business to increased risk. The Darktrace platform is deeply integrated into the businesses infrastructure and relies on accumulated AI learning unique to this environment covering Network, Identity, Software as a Service and Email security with full integration of all telemetry. It supports the protection of critical services including, tenant data and personal information, housing management systems and financial and operational platforms. Replacing the system would require significant system(s) implementation, relearning period and revalidation of controls. Transitioning to a new supplier at this point would result in temporary reduction in detection capability, increased likelihood of undetected threats and exposure during a high-risk migration window, which would leave us exposed under our obligations under UK GDPR, the Housing regulator and NCSC . Switching would also incur additional implementation and integration costs, internal resource requirements and training and change management effort. These costs alone are considered disproportionate to the actual value achieved. Darktrace is considered a leader by Gartner in the 2026 Magic Quadrant for Network Detection and Response and the 2025 Magic Quadrant for Email Security, making it uniquely recognised across multiple solution types.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b796
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057371-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency 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

48 - Software package and information systems

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


CPV Codes

48730000 - Security software package

72511000 - Network management software services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,118,180 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Jun 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Jun 20266 days ago
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BERNICIA GROUP
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ASHINGTON
Postcode
NE6 3XF
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Walker
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne East and Wallsend

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

DARKTRACE HOLDINGS

Further Information

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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