Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Digital Catapult
101 Euston Road
London
NW1 2RA
hitesh.mistry@digicatapult.org.uk
Telephone
+44 2038823557
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.mytenders.co.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA37289
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Other activity
Research and Innovation
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
PIN - Test & Measurement tool requirement for SONIC Labs - RIC Tester
Reference number
P2023-130
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 32400000 - Networks
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Digital Catapult is the UK authority on advanced digital technology. Through collaboration and innovation, we accelerate industry adoption to drive growth and opportunity across the economy.
Our goal is to accelerate new possibilities in everything we do and for every business we partner with the journey – breaking down barriers, de-risking innovation, opening up markets and responsibly shaping the products, services and experiences of the future.
The SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre Laboratories (SONIC Labs) - https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/expertise/programmes/programme/sonic/ - is a joint programme between Digital Catapult (DC) and Ofcom. The programme creates a range of platforms for existing and emerging vendors to test the interoperability and integration of open and software-centric networking solutions, starting with 5G Open RAN technology. Launched in February 2022, the DCMS-funded SONIC Labs will be deployed across indoor and outdoor locations, providing a unique opportunity for UK-based operators and Open RAN vendors to get involved and showcase their capabilities. Additionally, SONIC Labs provides a testing ground for longer-term advanced technologies, expanding to other use cases and open networking technologies.
Within the SONIC Labs programme, our objective is to support the development of working end to end Open RAN systems and help products mature through earlier end-to-end integration and interoperability testing of fully formed Open RAN systems. To achieve this objective, we are continually developing our technical capabilities in the Oran Test and Measurement domain to conduct extensive testing and performance evaluation and validation for the future Open RAN.
Digital Catapult is seeking to engage with vendors supplying RIC testing capability who have the capability to design complex scenarios, supply, Install, configure and integrate different RIC components.
The vendor(s) shall provide services to build, implement and integrate the entire system. In addition, we require services for training, ongoing support and maintenance (two-year period following go-live).
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £200,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This opportunity specifically relates to the design, supply, implementation and support of a tool which can be used for Interoperability Testing of RIC across various INterfaces (E2, A1,O1) and also can be used for Testing and validating the various xAPPS and rAPPS deployed on the RIC for various innovative use cases mentioned in the Requirement document attached.
Digital Catapult is seeking to engage with vendors supplying RIC testing capability who have the capability to design complex scenarios, supply, Install, configure and integrate different RIC components.
The vendor(s) shall provide services to build, implement and integrate the entire system. In addition, we require services for training, ongoing support and maintenance (two-year period following go-live).
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
28 July 2023
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
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
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.5) Scheduled date for start of award procedures
4 September 2023
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the mytenders Web Site at https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=229650.
(MT Ref:229650)
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the myTenders Web Site at https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=229650.
(MT Ref:229650)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Public Procurement Review Service
Cabinet Office
London
publicprocurementreview@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 3450103503
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/public-procurement-review-service-scope-and-remit
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
CEDR
London
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures:
In the first instance, all appeals should be promptly brought to the attention of Digital Catapult, and will be dealt with in accordance with the requirements of the
Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Any appeals must be brought within the timescales specified by the applicable law, including without limitation, the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
In accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the contracting authority will also incorporate a minimum 10 calendar day standstill period from the date information on award of contract is communicated to tenderers.