Open Data RFI
Description: Background Southern Water is undertaking a Data, Analytics and AI Transformation Programme to become the UK's most data-intelligent water utility. A key pillar of this strategy is Open Data increasing transparency, enabling innovation, and improving trust with customers, regulators and local authorities. As part of our Data Foundations workstream, we are establishing: A governed data platform (Azure/Databricks based) Microsoft Purview for catalogue and governance Defined publishing, licensing and approval processes An Open Data Proof of Concept and MVP We are now exploring options for procuring an external Open Data Portal platform. This RFI seeks to: Understand the capabilities available in the market Identify architecture and deployment options Assess integration with Azure/Databricks and API-first models Understand commercial models
Summary: Southern Water Services Limited is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for an Open Data Portal platform, part of their Data, Analytics, and AI Transformation Programme aimed at enhancing data intelligence within the water utility industry. The procurement falls under the services category with a focus on IT services, including consulting and software development. Named "Open Data RFI," this initiative is set in Worthing, United Kingdom, and seeks to establish a collaboration with vendors that can support a governed data platform based on Azure/Databricks. Interested parties are encouraged to register via the Southern Water Sourcing Portal by 8 April 2026, which marks the deadline for initial engagement. The contract is anticipated to commence on 1 September 2026 and conclude on 2 September 2028.