Scope
Reference
itt_2512
Description
Undersea cables carry 99%+ of the UK’s international internet traffic. These high-capacity data flows underpin the UK’s digital economy, national security, and global communications. Cable landing stations (CLS) are a critical part of the UK’s subsea telecommunication cable network, acting as the physical interface between undersea cables and terrestrial infrastructure. Due to their strategic importance, CLS are high-value targets for both physical and cyber threats. The Government is committed to strengthening the security of UK cable landing stations.
To support this work, we intend to commission an accredited security consultancy to produce security guidance for CLS operators. This work will be jointly overseen by DSIT, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA).
Deliverables:
Deliverable 1: Written guidance for cable landing station operators – one report setting out bespoke security guidance for CLS operators, that sets out technical protective security measures that operators should take, in a DSIT branded and editable format.
Deliverable 2: A presentation on the guidance and its recommendations.
Deliverable 3: An evidence compendium, setting out individual measures within the guidance and evidence in support of each measure, and identifying guidance or evidentiary gaps.
Total value (estimated)
- £93,000 excluding VAT
- £111,600 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 March 2026 to 5 July 2026
- 3 months, 27 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
- 75241000 - Public security services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Conditions of participation
See PQQ
Submission
Enquiry deadline
13 February 2026, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
16 February 2026, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| PRJ 6431- Cable Landing Station Security Guidance - Technical | See ITT |
Quality | 80% |
| PRJ 6431- Cable Landing Station Security Guidance - Price | See ITT |
Price | 20% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Contracting authority
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWZ-3216-PVQL
22 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EG
United Kingdom
Contact name: Naomi Jones
Email: Naomi.jones2@dsit.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government