---
title: "Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL"
published: "2026-01-16"
---

# Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner

Buyer: GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1.json)

## Summary

Gateshead Borough Council is seeking expressions of interest for a multi-year contract with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner, under the procurement reference IT168. The Council, located in Gateshead, UKC22, aims to integrate AI solutions to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and better serve residents. This procurement, which is in the planning stage, falls under the services category, specifically targeting software package and information systems, as well as IT services such as consulting and software development. Interested parties must submit their completed questionnaires by 23rd January 2026, with the contract scheduled to commence on 1st June 2026 and conclude on 31st May 2031.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses experienced in AI solutions and IT services, particularly those with capabilities in consulting and software development. Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) will find this opportunity accessible, owing to the suitability notice indicating their inclusion. Successful collaboration could lead to significant growth, given the £6,000,000 gross contract value and the potential for prolonged engagement with a public authority keen on innovating its service delivery through AI applications. Businesses offering innovative AI and IT solutions are well-positioned to benefit from this engagement with Gateshead Council.

## Notice

Gateshead Council is scoping requirements and looking for expressions of interest from suppliers for a multi year contract for an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Transformation Partner. This partner would work with the Council to provide innovative opportunities for applying AI in the daily operations of the Council to deliver savings, reduce costs and improve services to residents.

### Planning Information

The Council has issued a questionnaire that can be downloaded via the OPEN tender portal, https://www.open-uk.org/opportunities. Interested suppliers will need to register on the portal for access to the questionnaire.
Follow up 1-2-1 meetings will be arranged with suppliers who submit completed questionnaires.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003756-2026 |
| Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | SME |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 16 Jan 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 23 Jan 2026 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 May 2026 - 31 May 2031 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £5,000,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL |
| Locality | GATESHEAD |
| Post town | Newcastle upon Tyne |
| Postcode | NE8 1HH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear |
| ITL 3 | TLC43 Tyneside |
| Local authority | Gateshead |
| Electoral ward | Bridges |
| Westminster constituency | Gateshead Central and Whickham |
| Delivery location | TLC22 Tyneside |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 48 - Software package and information systems
- 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

### Codes

- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

## Release History

- 16 Jan 2026 at 10:14 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003756-2026
- 12 Jan 2026 at 14:05 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002296-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003756-2026
  16th January 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002296-2026
  12th January 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- https://www.gateshead.gov.uk/article/31230/Learning-and-Skills
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents
- https://www.open-uk.org/opportunities

## 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-0603c1. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-0603c1.json.