---
title: "Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements (FASTER)"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-050b18"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-050b18"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050b18.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050b18.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "MET OFFICE"
published: "2026-05-18"
---

# Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements (FASTER)

Buyer: MET OFFICE  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-050b18

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## Summary

The Met Office, based in Exeter, has completed a procurement process titled "Framework for Applied Science Technology Engineering Requirements" (FASTER), which focuses on securing services up to a value of £57,000,000 including VAT. This framework is designed to facilitate the acquisition of industrial and academic expertise to support the Met Office's initiatives in weather and climate science application. The procurement, conducted as an open procedure, was initiated in April 2026 and is anticipated to last potentially until 2034, with multiple stages of reopening for new entrants. The first reopening is expected by September 2028. The principal category of this procurement involves research and experimental development services, to be delivered across the United Kingdom. The contract was officially awarded in May 2026, with a gross amount of £10,944,000 for the period starting from 24 April 2026.

This tender provides significant opportunities for both large and SME businesses that specialise in technology-driven scientific research and development. Companies with strengths in applying scientific knowledge to real-world environmental challenges are particularly well-suited for this framework. It offers a platform to collaborate with the Met Office and contribute to the cutting-edge development of climate and weather solutions. With reopening phases planned twice during the framework, there is a sustained opportunity to engage and benefit from subsequent phases, promoting continuous innovation and wider participation. The participation of diverse academic and industrial partners enhances networking and collaboration opportunities, potentially driving business growth through shared expertise and cutting-edge solutions.

## Notice

A services framework. The FASTER will be the principal mechanism by which the Met Office seeks to secure skills and capacity from Industrial and Academic Institutions in support of the delivery of Met Office requirements relating to the application of weather and climate science. FASTER covers the use of scientific techniques and knowledge alongside technology solutions to explore and understand real world questions and challenges experienced by customers and end users of our weather and climate information and subsequently develop mitigation approaches and prototype solutions.

### Lot Information

Observations

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Prediction and Projection

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Post Processing and Analysis

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Production & Customer Delivery

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

Customer Experience

Renewal: Met Office intends to re-open FASTER twice during the 8-year (maximum) life of the framework which is a new option available under PA23. FASTER will be re-opened within the first 3-year period in line with the indicative timetable below: Establishment of FASTER 1st April 2026 FASTER is reopened for the first time 1st September 2028 FASTER stage 2 Goes Live 1st April 2029 FASTER is reopened for the second time 1st September 2031 FASTER stage 3 Goes Live 1 April 2032 Framework Ceases 31 March 2034 **Noting that the framework re-opening procurement process time is estimated to be approx. 6 months. The Open Framework will operate as follows: Suppliers who are already on the Framework 1. A supplier on the existing framework will not be required to submit a new bid on the re-opening of the procurement (unless it opts to do so). However the supplier will be required to confirm that the original bid submitted is still valid including the PSQ and ITT information (in line with s.22 of the Act). If not, valid suppliers will be required to update and resubmit the relevant information for review at each Framework opening stage. 2. A supplier may submit a new bid for any of the Framework Lots it is not already on, which will be assessed with the other bids when the Framework re-opens. 3. A supplier can elect to be removed from existing Lots or the existing framework entirely. 4. A supplier has the opportunity to re-submit hourly rates if they want to remain on the framework, these will be evaluated in the same way as the process of gaining a place on the FASTER framework and the previous technical scores will be used unless a new bid is submitted. PQP will apply and a score of 6 or less will ensure the supplier remains on the framework. New Suppliers to the Framework If early market engagement is deemed appropriate a PME notice will be issued. A tender notice (UK:4) will be issued each time the Framework is opened (twice in the life of FASTER) and this will be linked to the unique identifier (UI) used in the Procurement of the original FASTER Framework within the Central Digital Platform (CPD). Any new bids will be evaluated on the same basis as the original PSQ and Evaluation criteria (Technical, Commercial and Social Value) the same weightings and questions will apply. It is not anticipated that any changes to the evaluation criteria will be required in line with PA23 which states that there should be no substantial amendments to the award criteria. Debarment checks will also be required in line with the original process. FASTER will be live throughout any opening process. Once the re-opening process has been completed and awarded the second stage of FASTER will commence.

### Planning Information

Met Office is about to commence market engagement activities to shape its thinking relating to sourcing the Framework for Applied Science Technology & Engineering Requirements (FASTER).
The Proactis EOI stage, through Proactis will go live on the 9 May 2025.
Any interested suppliers are asked to register their organisation on Proactis if they haven't already
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9a809f0c-262b-f011-8136-005056b64545
Suppliers need to register their interest by pressing the EOI button once the EOI is live (7 May). There will be an on-line event via MS Teams on 5 June 9am -12 Noon to provide an overview of the Framework requirements. This will also be a chance for suppliers to ask questions. All Q&A will be submitted through the Proactis Portal.
Once an EOI is submitted please provide via the Proactis messaging system who will be attending from your organisation (up to 2 representatives) or by completing the box in the form and sending the form back to us through Proactis. This session will be run via MS Teams. If for any reason you cannot make the session we will collate an anonymised transcript and Q&A and make this available to all interested suppliers through the Proactis Portal.
The intention is also to have a Face to Face event in the Autumn 2025. Exact details of this will be issued in due course through the Proactis Portal.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045551-2026 |
| Notice type | UK7 - Contract Details Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Large, SME |
| All stages | Planning, Tender, Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 May 2026 |
| Submission deadline | 3 Dec 2025 |
| Future notice date | 31 Oct 2025 |
| Award date | 31 Mar 2026 |
| Contract period | 23 Apr 2026 - 23 Apr 2029 |
| Recurrence | 2028-09-01 |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £45,600,000 |
| Lots value | £45,600,000 |
| Awards value | £9,120,000 |
| Contracts value | £9,120,000 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | MET OFFICE |
| Locality | EXETER |
| Post town | Exeter |
| Postcode | EX1 3PB |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK4 Devon |
| ITL 3 | TLK43 Devon CC |
| Local authority | Exeter |
| Electoral ward | Pinhoe |
| Westminster constituency | Exmouth and Exeter East |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 42 |
| Supplier names | ADVAI-LTD; AERIS-UK; AFRY SOULUTIONS; ASPINALL INSTRUMENTS; ASSIMILA; ATKINSREALIS; AXION SOLUTIONS; BAE SYSTEMS APPLIED INTELLIGENCE; CACI; CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY; CIRRUS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS; CU SERVICES; ESRI (UK; FRASER-NASH CONSULTANCY; FULLWOOD ENGINEERING; HITCH MARKETING; HR WALLINGFORD; IMPERIAL COLLEGE PROJECTS; INDIVIDUAL; JBA CONSULTING; LANCASTER UNIVERSITY; MENAPIA; MONTVIEUX; NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE; NORTHUMBRIA UNIVERSITY BUSINESS AND ENTERPRISE; OPENWEATHER; OVE ARUP & PARTNERS; OXIDIAN; SAYERS AND PARTNERS; SLR CONSULTING; THE ALAN TURING INSTITUTE; UCL CONSULTANTS; UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM; UNIVERSITY OF EXETER; UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS; UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH; UNIVERSITY OF READING; UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON; UNIVERSITY OF SURREY; VE3; VOLTITUDE; WX LABS |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

### Codes

- 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
- 73300000 - Design and execution of research and development

## Release History

- 18 May 2026 at 17:29 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045551-2026
- 8 Apr 2026 at 09:09 - Award - UK6 - Contract Award Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031762-2026
- 22 Oct 2025 at 09:14 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067355-2025
- 13 May 2025 at 14:03 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020904-2025
- 13 May 2025 at 13:58 - PlanningUpdate - UK1 - Pipeline Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020900-2025
- 7 May 2025 at 13:27 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019401-2025
- 2 May 2025 at 08:15 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018640-2025
- 1 May 2025 at 09:44 - Planning - UK1 - Pipeline Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018305-2025

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045551-2026
  18th May 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/031762-2026
  8th April 2026 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067355-2025
  22nd October 2025 - Tender notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020904-2025
  13th May 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020900-2025
  13th May 2025 - Pipeline notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019401-2025
  7th May 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018640-2025
  2nd May 2025 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/018305-2025
  1st May 2025 - Pipeline notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9a809f0c-262b-f011-8136-005056b64545
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities/Index?tabName=opportunities&resetFilter=True
- https://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/home
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.meteomatics.com/
- https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-050b18. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-050b18.json.