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IT Infrastructure hardware and solutions Framework

CARDIFF UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

14 Aug 2026 at 12:07

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

14 Aug 2026 at 11:01

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cardiff University is planning a framework for computer equipment and associated IT infrastructure solutions. The scope covers high-performance computing, including servers and GPUs; backup and storage; network and security equipment; and physical data-centre infrastructure such as uninterruptible power supplies, power distribution units, optical equipment and racking. The procurement is intended to support the University's operational, strategic and business-continuity needs, including service continuity, operational resilience and rapid deployment of infrastructure. The equipment and solutions will support the University in Cardiff and its wider operations. This is a goods procurement, with the framework intended to provide established commercial terms for future call-off purchases as requirements arise.

This process is at the planning stage: Cardiff University has announced its intention to procure and is undertaking pre-market engagement, rather than inviting tenders. The University expects the next notice to be published by 25 September 2026. It anticipates closing the pre-market engagement stage on 11 September 2026, with correspondence and questionnaire submissions made through its procurement portal. The planned procurement is a single-lot framework, with an estimated value of £16,000,000 excluding VAT and £19,200,000 including VAT. The framework is expected to run from 1 December 2026 to 30 November 2028, with renewal provision extending the maximum period to 30 November 2030. It is above the relevant threshold.

The work is likely to suit manufacturers, distributors, systems integrators and specialist IT infrastructure suppliers able to provide a broad range of enterprise hardware and related data-centre solutions through a framework arrangement. Relevant capability includes supplying high-performance compute platforms, GPUs, servers, backup and storage systems, network and security equipment, power and connectivity infrastructure, optical equipment and racking. Suppliers should be prepared to manage volatile pricing, component and supply-chain fluctuations, and extended lead times for critical equipment. The University's stated priorities favour businesses that can offer dependable supply, resilient solutions and rapid deployment within compressed timescales. The pre-market engagement is an opportunity for suitably experienced suppliers to help inform the future tender before it reaches the market.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

IT Infrastructure hardware and solutions Framework

Notice Description

The University has ongoing requirements for a broad range of IT infrastructure equipment to support its operational, strategic and business continuity objectives including high performance Compute (Servers, GPUs), Backup/Storage, Network/Security and associated physical data centre infrastructure (UPS, PDUS, Optics, Racking). The University is dealing with significant market challenges associated with: * Volatile market pricing. * Component supply chain fluctuations. * Extended lead times for critical infrastructure equipment. * The need to maintain continuity of service and operational resilience. * The need to deploy infrastructure solutions within compressed timescales. To mitigate these challenges, the University is considering publishing a single source framework to enable us to respond with agility and "call-off" from a framework with pre-established commercial terms.

Planning Information

Please got to https://in-tendhost.co.uk/cardiffuniversity/aspx/Home There is a pre-market engagement questionnaire that will give potential bidders to inform our tender. All correspondence and questionnaire submissions should be made via the intend portal, which contains full details. We anticipate closing the pre-market engagement stage on 11/9/26

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e462
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077638-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

30 - Office and computing machinery, equipment and supplies except furniture and software packages

CPV Codes

30200000 - Computer equipment and supplies

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£16,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Aug 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
25 Sep 20265 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CARDIFF
Postcode
CF10 3AT
Postcode Area
Cardiff
Country
Wales
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL52 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Delivery Location
TLL22 Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Local Authority
Cardiff
Electoral Ward
Cathays
Westminster Constituency
Cardiff South and Penarth

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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