Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
DESNZ & DSIT Group Commercial
London
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
General public services
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Unlocking CHERI adoption
Reference number
prj_4961
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The purpose of this PIN is to provide advance notice that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is considering undertaking a tender exercise to set up a new project related to technology development and adoption of CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions).
The department wants to understand how we can convene a critical mass of businesses and funding to unblock the adoption pathway for CHERI and achieve adoption in real world applications at scale
The department invites suggestions and feedback from the market on the scope of the Unlocking CHERI adoption project, including its lots and structure.
https://www.cl.cam.ac.uk/research/security/ctsrd/cheri/
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £800,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The purpose of this PIN is to provide advance notice that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is considering undertaking a tender exercise to set up a new project related to technology development and adoption of CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions).
Deploying technology that is secure by design reduces the risk of losses from cyber attacks, cuts the cost of ownership with fewer security updates, and creates competitive advantage, allowing businesses to create innovative systems built on secure foundations.
The Digital Security by Design programme has built and proven the efficacy of a CHERI, a new microprocessor architecture, securing systems at the silicon level, closing the door on security vulnerabilities that are exploited in 70% of cyber attacks.
The savings, benefits and competitive edge offered by CHERI can only be achieved once the design is adopted into the mainstream production environment. To realise the benefits of CHERI in a timely manner, additional effort will be required for its adoption.
The department wants to understand how we can convene a critical mass of businesses and funding to unblock the adoption pathway for CHERI and achieve adoption in real world applications at scale.
The department invites suggestions and feedback from the market on the scope of the Unlocking CHERI adoption project, including its lots and structure.
Once available the Invitation to tender documentation for this procurement may be freely accessed from the Department via the Jaggaer portal
The lotting structure of this framework will be determined following market engagement.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
16 May 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes