---
title: "ITEP1018 - AI Assurance Proof of Concept"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-49e34e1f-3f97-472a-884e-a6cc27850d9d"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-49e34e1f-3f97-472a-884e-a6cc27850d9d"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-49e34e1f-3f97-472a-884e-a6cc27850d9d.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-49e34e1f-3f97-472a-884e-a6cc27850d9d.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "NATIONAL HIGHWAYS"
published: "2025-09-18"
---

# ITEP1018 - AI Assurance Proof of Concept

Buyer: NATIONAL HIGHWAYS  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-49e34e1f-3f97-472a-884e-a6cc27850d9d

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## Summary

National Highways has completed the procurement process for a project titled "ITEP1018 - AI Assurance Proof of Concept," aimed at developing tools and frameworks for evaluating AI systems against ethics and performance standards. This procurement, classified under the industry category of "System quality assurance assessment and review services" (CPV code 72225000), covered multiple delivery locations, including the United Kingdom, Europe, and the Channel Islands. The tender, valued at GBP 119,597.5, employed a selective procurement method through a call-off from a framework agreement. The tender period concluded on 15th September 2025, with the contract award being published on 18th September 2025. The contract is scheduled to commence on 22nd September 2025 and end on 31st March 2026.

This project presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in AI systems assurance, particularly those skilled in testing techniques like stress testing and scenario analysis. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could benefit from engaging in such contracts to establish or expand their market presence in AI assurance. Companies with capabilities in building robust, ethical AI solutions are particularly well-suited for future contracts in this domain as National Highways continues to enhance its AI evaluation infrastructure. Opportunities may arise for businesses looking to forge partnerships with industry leaders, such as the already awarded supplier, Kainos Software Ltd.

## Notice

ITEP1018 - AI Assurance Proof of Concept This requirement is for a proof of concept project which will build on the work of Cyber Futures. Key activities include building tools and frameworks to assess and assure AI systems effectively. These tools will evaluate AI systems against key values such as fairness, safety, and resilience, ensuring they meet ethical standards and perform reliably under real-world conditions. The project will demonstrate and apply AI testing techniques, such as stress testing and scenario analysis, to identify potential weaknesses and ensure robustness.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/abb02e67-07b3-4f79-848f-64837eafce39 |
| Notice type | Award Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Call-off from a framework agreement |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 Sep 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 15 Sep 2025 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 14 Sep 2025 |
| Contract period | 21 Sep 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £119,597 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | £119,597 |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NATIONAL HIGHWAYS |
| Locality | BIRMINGHAM |
| Post town | Birmingham |
| Postcode | B4 6GA |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Electoral ward | Ladywood |
| Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | KAINOS SOFTWARE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 72225000 - System quality assurance assessment and review services

## Release History

- 18 Sep 2025 at 15:30 - Award - Award Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/abb02e67-07b3-4f79-848f-64837eafce39

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/abb02e67-07b3-4f79-848f-64837eafce39
  18th September 2025 - Awarded contract notice on Contracts Finder

## Provenance

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