This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 16:37

Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Finance in Northern Ireland has initiated a public procurement process titled "ID 6421140 - DoF – IT Assist – Provision and Support of a Server Patch Management Solution." This tender, currently in the tender stage, focuses on the procurement of a server patch management tool required for approximately 2400 servers, with services delivered to around 28,000 staff across Northern Ireland. The initial three-year contract is anticipated to be awarded in September 2026, with implementation starting just before the licensing period, commencing on 11th October 2026. Located in Belfast, the procurement involves a competitive flexible procedure under the category of software package and information systems.

This tender presents an excellent opportunity for firms specialising in IT services, particularly those with expertise in server management and software-related services, to expand their market presence in the public sector. The competitive flexible procedure, which includes a stringent verification exercise requiring a demonstration of technical compliance, favours businesses capable of delivering innovative and robust software solutions. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) are encouraged to apply, as the procurement process supports their participation. With a gross contract value of £270,000 and potential extensions, this is a significant opportunity for qualified vendors to secure a long-term governmental contract.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

ID 6421140 - DoF - IT Assist - Provision and Support of a Server Patch Management Solution

Notice Description

IT Assist require the provision of a Server Patch Management Tool to patch approximately 2400 servers. IT Assist (The Buyer) has responsibility for the delivery of common IT systems and services to support the business objectives of the 9 Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS) Departments and approximately 40 Arms-Length organisations. Services are delivered to approximately 28000 NICS staff and customers located across Northern Ireland. The Buyer is responsible for the hosting, administration and maintenance of both virtual and physical server infrastructure. It is anticipated the Contract will be awarded in September 2026, with a 2 week implementation period prior to the Licencing period commencing on 11th October 2026 for an initial period of 3 years with the option to extend for 2 further periods of up to 12 months each for the supply and delivery of a patch management system. Please see document entitled "ID 6421140 - Specification" for full details of the requirement.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Following the initial contract period, there are 2 potential extension periods of up to 12 months each. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d954
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072920-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

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


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

48700000 - Software package utilities

48800000 - Information systems and servers

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

72260000 - Software-related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£225,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£225,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
26 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Sep 2026 - 10 Oct 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
2031-07-31

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
Additional Buyers

CPD - SUPPLIES & SERVICES DIVISION

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BELFAST
Postcode
BT3 9ED
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Sydenham
Westminster Constituency
Belfast East

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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