Award

Enterprise Infrastructure - Virtualisation Management Software

UNIVERSITY OF EDINBURGH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

22 May 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Edinburgh has completed the award stage for a procurement process titled "Enterprise Infrastructure - Virtualisation Management Software," aimed at acquiring VMware virtualisation management software. This procurement is categorised under the education industry and involves the supply of goods specifically for virtualisation management in Edinburgh, UK. The contract was awarded through a limited procurement method without prior competition publication, completed on 18 May 2026, and is scheduled for a period of five years. The total contract amount is approximately GBP 3,441,439.62.

This procurement represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in virtualisation software, especially those capable of providing robust continuity solutions for private cloud platforms utilising VMware technologies. The tender process highlights a preference for technical competence and interoperability, making it ideal for large technology firms that can ensure seamless integration and minimise operational risks. Companies with experience in maintaining and supporting critical digital infrastructure in educational environments would be well-suited to engage in this type of procurement, potentially fostering growth through strategic partnerships with institutions like the University of Edinburgh.

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Notice Title

Enterprise Infrastructure - Virtualisation Management Software

Notice Description

Procurement of virtualisation management software (VMware) following a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice for a period of 5 years.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Procurement of virtualisation management software (VMware) following a negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice for a period of 5 years.

Procurement Information

The University of Edinburgh is awarding a contract without prior publication pursuant to Regulation 33(1)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 on the basis that competition is absent for technical reasons. The University of Edinburgh requires continuity of its existing private cloud platform which is architected around VMware technologies. The current environment supports critical teaching, research and administrative systems and is tightly integrated across compute, storage, networking and container platforms. A market assessment was undertaken, including consideration of alternative platforms. Alternative platforms would require fundamental re-architecture of the University's infrastructure, including redesign of network and security configurations and replacement of automation and operational tooling. Such re-platforming would introduce significant technical risk to service continuity, including potential disruption to critical systems, risk of extended downtime, and increased cyber and operational risk. This level of risk is not acceptable within the required time frame. Accordingly, for technical reasons relating to interoperability, system integration and risk to continuity of essential services, no reasonable alternative or substitute exists.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000832504
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY556405
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F3 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£3,441,439 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 May 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH1 1HT
Post Town
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM75 City of Edinburgh

Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
City Centre
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh East and Musselburgh

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

VMWARE INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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