Scope
Reference
P2025 187
Description
The Smart RAN Open Network Interoperability Centre Laboratories (SONIC Labs) is a joint programme between Digital Catapult and Ofcom. The programme creates a range of platforms for existing and emerging mobile network equipment suppliers to test the interoperability and End-to-End (E2E) integration of open and software-centric networking solutions, starting with 5G Open RAN technology. Launched in February 2022, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) funded SONIC Labs facility is deployed across four sites, indoor and outdoor. SONIC Labs aims to enable new suppliers to participate in the UK telecom ecosystem, build a path towards operational UK environments and accelerate innovation in UK networks. Additionally, SONIC Labs provides a neutral testing ground for long-term advanced technologies, expanding to other use cases and non-RAN technologies.
(https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/expertise/programmes/programme/sonic/).
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 Open RAN Test and Measurement domain to conduct extensive testing and performance evaluation and validation for the future Open RAN systems.
Requirements Overview
This opportunity specifically relates to the design, supply, implementation and support of solution(s) that can perform conformance tests and measurements for the certification of Open RAN radio units as defined by the O-RAN Alliance. The purpose of O-RAN certification is to verify that a vendor product is compliant to a related set of O-RAN defined interfaces and reference design specifications, through a set of O-RAN Alliance defined conformance tests using unified test procedures and templates for sharing of results. Our requirement is for a comprehensive range of test equipment used in the development, certification, and conformance testing of Open RAN (O-RAN) network components, specifically O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs). Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology enables interoperability between network elements and fosters a vendor-agnostic ecosystem in the deployment of 5G networks. O-RAN test equipment is essential to ensure these systems function as intended, enabling efficient and reliable testing of individual network components such as O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs). Test equipment requirements range from conformance testing and protocol testing to performance benchmarking and fault diagnosis.
Digital Catapult is seeking to engage with vendors supplying O-RAN testing and measuring equipment with the capability to design complex scenarios, supply, Install, configure and integrate a compliant solution.
The Bidder(s) shall provide services to build, implement, integrate and test the entire system including the certification of the first O-RU network component. In addition, we require services for training, calibration, ongoing support and maintenance (two-year period following acceptance).
Contract 1. P2025-187
Supplier
Contract value
- £527,210 excluding VAT
- £632,652 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
26 June 2025
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
27 June 2025
Standstill period
- End: 8 July 2025
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
23 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 32510000 - Wireless telecommunications system
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Information about tenders
- 2 tenders received
- 2 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 0 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
Keysight Technologies UK Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PRYX-2841-YQVR
610 Wharfedale Road
Wokingham
RG41 5TP
United Kingdom
Email: steven.west@keysight.com
Region: UKJ11 - Berkshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. P2025-187
Contracting authority
Digital Catapult
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQJV-5136-MHML
101 Euston Road
London
NW1 2RA
United Kingdom
Contact name: Procurement Department
Email: procurement@digicatapult.org.uk
Website: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)