--- title: "Network Strategy SD-WAN & Security Service Edge (SSE)" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06658c" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06658c" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06658c.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06658c.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC)" published: "2026-05-20" --- # Network Strategy SD-WAN & Security Service Edge (SSE) Buyer: GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC) Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06658c [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06658c) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06658c.json) ## Summary The General Medical Council (GMC) is actively seeking a new provider to enhance its Wide Area Network (WAN) infrastructure by transitioning to a more dynamic Cloud-based Software Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) and Security Service Edge (SSE) solution. This procurement process, under the open procedure method, is managed by GMC and is at the tender update stage. It aims to optimise connectivity and support the GMC's hybrid working model, benefiting approximately 1,800 staff across multiple UK sites including Manchester, London, Edinburgh, Cardiff, and Belfast. The procurement, which is valued at GBP 1,500,000 gross, has the submission deadline extended to 28th May 2026, with the potential contract start date set for 20th July 2026, lasting initially until 19th July 2029, including options for two one-year extensions. For businesses specialising in network solutions, this tender presents a significant opportunity to implement a flexible SD-WAN and comprehensive SASE architecture. Ideal candidates will possess expertise in delivering multi-site network solutions and have the capability to provide centralised management for WAN and SSE technologies. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to apply, as the tender is suitable for them. This contract not only offers substantial revenue potential but also an avenue for establishing a long-term partnership with a major public sector body like the GMC, advocating innovation in network management and security service integration. ## Notice Background information The current WAN solution is coming to the end of the contract and GMC are looking to move to a new provider and a new WAN Solution across all GMC sites. We have approx. 1,800 staff who work in a remote working hybrid model with only 20% of these are onsite at any one-time. Remote workers connect via VPN into the Manchester and London Datacentres. We are therefore inviting bids from suppliers who can meet the requirements outlined in the sections detailed in the required Lots below. The current GMC WAN adopts point to point ethernet technology and the strategic roadmap is to move to a more flexible Cloud based SD-WAN model. GMC locations: - London - Regent's Place, 350 Euston Road, London, NW1 3JN - Manchester - 3 Hardman Street, Manchester, M3 3AW - Manchester - 3 Hardman Square, Manchester, M3 3EB - Manchester - St James's Buildings, 79 Oxford Street Manchester, M1 6FQ - Edinburgh - The Tun, 4 Jackson's Entry, Edinburgh EH8 8PJ - Cardiff - Caspian Point 2, Caspian Way, Cardiff Bay, CF10 4DQ - Belfast - Bedford House, 16-22 Bedford Street, Belfast, BT2 7FD. Current Wide Area & Internet Networks The GMC operates from 7 main site in the UK and N. Ireland, namely Manchester (x3), London, Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff. - All sites operate on structured cabling systems, the standard being Cat 6. - The current GMC WAN is comprised of 7 sites connected together using Ethernet point to point services. This is a manged WAN with service provider Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) at each site. - 4 of sites have secondary backup circuits (Manchester 3HS, Manchester 3HSQ, Manchester SJB and London) - 2 of the sites provide direct internet connectivity (Manchester 3HS and London). Deployment, support and management of the site LAN is not included within the scope. The GMC will perform this function, but the supplier(s) may be required to provide advice and guidance on end-to-end performance as needed. This may involve liaison activities, advice and guidance on network development e.g. traffic prioritisation and shaping, implementation of Quality of Service for the transport of Voice, Video and Unified Comms traffic across the LAN/WAN. For information, the components in the LAN are Cisco Catalyst 9600 and 9300 switches providing core, distribution, and access. We are looking to procure: - A customer managed SD-WAN/SSE solution with accompanying Professional Services. - The scope includes the licensing, supply, implementation and support of software, virtual appliances and physical edge appliances that enable the GMC to manage all WAN and security policies centrally via a single pane of glass. The Tenderers shall provide a phased professional services engagement designed to transform the current network architecture. The engagement is divided into two distinct milestones: - Phase 1 (SD-WAN Foundations). Implementation of an application aware network overlay to optimise connectivity and site reliability - Phase 2 (SSE integration): The subsequent overlay of cloud-delivered security services to achieve a complete SASE architecture. ### Lot Information Lot 1 Renewal: Option to extend by 2 periods of 12 months. ### Planning Information GMC will undertake targeted engagement. Suppliers with proven experience in delivering multi-site SD-WAN solutions are invited to express their interest at gmctenders@gmc-uk.org ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046630-2026 | | Notice type | UK4 - Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Open procedure | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Planning, Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 20 May 2026 | | Submission deadline | 28 May 2026 | | Future notice date | 20 Apr 2026 | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 19 Jul 2026 - 19 Jul 2029 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £1,250,000 | | Lots value | £1,250,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | GENERAL MEDICAL COUNCIL (GMC) | | Locality | MANCHESTER | | Post town | Manchester | | Postcode | M3 3AW | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLD North West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLD3 Greater Manchester | | ITL 3 | TLD33 Manchester | | Local authority | Manchester | | Electoral ward | Deansgate | | Westminster constituency | Manchester Central | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support ### Codes - 72720000 - Wide area network services ## Release History - 20 May 2026 at 15:30 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046630-2026 - 7 May 2026 at 10:04 - TenderUpdate - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041805-2026 - 28 Apr 2026 at 08:48 - Tender - UK4 - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038326-2026 - 9 Mar 2026 at 15:15 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020986-2026 ## Documents - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046630-2026 20th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/041805-2026 7th May 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038326-2026 28th April 2026 - Tender notice on Find a Tender - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/020986-2026 9th March 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639003 GMC Terms and Conditions - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639004 Guide to submitting a tender - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639005 Raising concerns policy - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639001 Annex A - GMC SD-WAN SSE Low Level Requirements - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639002 Annex B - GMC Security Questionnaire and Requirements for SD-WAN SSE - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=639345 Revised version of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for SD-WAN and Network Stratgey Security Edge (SSE) - GMC2460. This revised version has amendments to the wording in paragraphs 106 and 107 only. - https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Authority/NoticeBuilder/NoticeBuilder_FileDownload.aspx?id=640806 Revised version of Invitation to Tender for GMC2460. This version, updated on 20/05/2026, has the revised deadline for tender responses which is now 12 noon on 28/05/2026. The alteration is in the Tender Timetable on page 4 of this ITT. ## Notice URLs - http://www.gmc-uk.org - https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents ## 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-06658c. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06658c.json.