Scope
Description
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology ("DSIT") is leading the UK governments' approach to the development of technical standards for advanced telecommunications connectivity technologies.
As part of this, DSIT plans to engage specialists to assist with advancing the standards for these emergent technologies with a view to mitigating ongoing security, resilience, and interoperability issues, and ensuring that advanced connectivity technologies support greater digital inclusion and sustainability.
These specialists would support DSIT by providing technical knowledge and resource when engaging with Standards Development Organisations (SDOs) to support the creation of effective standards which align with UK government objectives.
We would encourage bids from those with extensive experience in one or more of the following:
• Extensive experience in telecommunications research/ network design, with a strong working knowledge of the standards development process;
• Strong evidence of experience working as an active participant in standards development, preferably with considerable experience in 3GPP SA2 or related working groups;
• Strong evidence of experience working as an active participant in standards development, preferably with considerable experience in 3GPP TSG RAN or related working groups;
• Strong understanding of Open RAN design and interfaces;
Familiarity with the key technology debates surrounding 6G development would also be an asset.
Total value (estimated)
- £230,000 excluding VAT
- £276,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- Possible extension to 31 March 2027
- 1 year, 7 months, 13 days
Description of possible extension:
Agreement can be extended by up to 12 months
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Agreement can be extended by up to 12 months subject to business requirements
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71356000 - Technical services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot 1. 3GPP SA2
Description
3GPP SA2 standards engagement
Lot value (estimated)
- £90,000 excluding VAT
- £108,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. 3GPP RAN
Description
3GPP RAN & Open RAN standards engagement
Lot value (estimated)
- £140,000 excluding VAT
- £168,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. 3GPP SA2
Lot 2. 3GPP RAN
Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 June 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
15 July 2025, 4:30pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 July 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Order of importance |
|---|---|---|
| Technical Envelope | Quality | 1 |
| Commercial Envelope | Price | 2 |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWZ-3216-PVQL
22 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EG
United Kingdom
Email: dsit.dttgcbp@dsit.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government