This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

07 Jul 2026 at 12:05

Award

18 Jun 2026 at 17:02

Award

18 Jun 2026 at 17:01

Summary of the contracting process

Sellafield Limited, a public authority in the sub-central government category located in Warrington, UK, has completed a procurement process for "Microsoft Certified Engineering Support," which encompasses advanced technical support, product escalation, and engineering-level assurance services for its Microsoft enterprise environment. The procurement, carried out through a direct award under the UK Procurement Act 2023, Section 41, was justified due to Microsoft's unique capability to offer direct access to product engineering teams and source-level diagnostics. The contract, awarded to Microsoft Limited, commenced on 1st July 2026 and concludes on 29th June 2027, with a total gross value of £633,547.20. The contract supports IT services, including consulting, software development, internet, and support, essential to maintaining Sellafield's critical operational delivery.

This tender represents substantial business growth opportunities for enterprises in the IT services sector, particularly those engaged in Microsoft-related environments. Although awarded directly to Microsoft, businesses involved in complementary or ancillary services, such as systems integration and cybersecurity for Microsoft platforms, can explore partnership opportunities. Such businesses would benefit by positioning themselves to develop their proposals for similar future projects involving complex and integrated IT environments within the public sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Microsoft Certified Engineering Support

Notice Description

The Contracting Authority requires the provision of Microsoft Certified Engineering Support services, including advanced technical support, product escalation, and engineering-level assurance for its existing Microsoft enterprise environment. This environment includes Microsoft 365, Azure, identity, and security services, which are critical to the Authority's operational delivery and are tightly integrated across business functions. This procurement is being undertaken as a direct award under Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023, relying on the grounds set out in Schedule 5. Microsoft is the only supplier able to provide: Direct access to product engineering teams Source-level diagnostics and escalation pathways No other supplier can deliver the requirement independently. Third-party providers are dependent on Microsoft for escalation and therefore Cannot provide equivalent authority or resolution capability. The Contracting Authority has undertaken a proportionate assessment of alternatives and a commercial benchmarking exercise to confirm that the proposed approach represents value for money.

Procurement Information

No other supplier can deliver the requirement independently. Third-party providers are dependent on Microsoft for escalation and therefore cannot provide equivalent authority or resolution capability.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06b883
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063624-2026
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

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
£527,956 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
£527,956 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
17 Jun 20261 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 29 Jun 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SELLAFIELD LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WARRINGTON
Postcode
WA3 6GR
Post Town
Warrington
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD61 Warrington
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Warrington
Electoral Ward
Birchwood
Westminster Constituency
Warrington North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

MICROSOFT

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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