Scope
Reference
STA-26020b
Description
The service includes the design, build, configuration, and installation of all required network hardware, covering core, aggregation, access switching, firewall, internet edge, and Wi-Fi components.
Implementation will need to include installation and patching, commissioning, integration with partner systems, and final testing, user acceptance testing, and handover.
Ongoing network management will include monitoring and management of all routers, switches, internet bandwidth, and managed security services.
To include Core Redundancy and design changes to reduce the risk of workflow disruption. This will involve adding additional network equipment and routing licenses across all devices to enable VXLAN to improve local traffic efficiency for high-bandwidth devices and support media workflow integration for multicast traffic.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £596,219.71 excluding VAT
- £715,463.65 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
28 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 March 2029
- 3 years, 2 months
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
There may be a need for some additional equipment and licenses during the contract period if required.
CPV classifications
- 72400000 - Internet services
- 72700000 - Computer network services
Contract locations
- UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Extreme and unavoidable urgency
Royal Holloway University of London serves as the lead partner of the CoSTAR National Lab, which forms a key component of the wider Convergent Screen Technologies And performance in Realtime (CoSTAR) programme. The University is the Contracting Authority and procuring entity for this contract. The contracted services will be carried out at the CoSTAR National Lab facility, located within studio premises leased by the University.
Under the current tenancy agreement, the University is required by the Landlord to contract with the existing network provider for the management and supply of telecommunications and broadband services to the Demised Premises. The appointment of alternative service providers is strictly subject to the landlord's prior consent and is not guaranteed. Sohonet Ltd is the designated connectivity provider for the premises responsible for the management of all on-site physical infrastructure, cabling and technical support services. As a result, engaging an alternative supplier is not considered to be a feasible option. Doing so would require the undertaking of extensive structural and construction work to install new cabling and may require a provider to enter into wayleave agreement by the landlord. Even if such permission would be granted by the landlord, this would incur significant delays, increased costs, and considerable disruption to the programme.
It is our intention to award a contract to Sohonet Ltd for a fixed term until March 2029 which is the duration of the funding.
Supplier
Sohonet Limited
- Companies House: 03132110
5 Soho Street
London
W1D 3DG
United Kingdom
Email: creditcontrol@sohonet.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Royal Holloway and Bedford New College
- Companies House: RC000823
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRVY-6462-QBVG
Royal Holloway University of London, Egham Hill
Egham
TW20 0EX
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@rhul.ac.uk
Region: UKJ25 - West Surrey
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government