Scope
Reference
DN779859
Description
The partner, British Geological Society or 'BGS' led the 'SAGE' (ground effects) project in the SWIMMR Programme (2019-2024). BGS developed the SPIDER model - an integrated nowcast and forecasting system for the modelled effects from Geomagnetically Induced Currents (GIC) in the Great Britain high voltage power network, pipeline and railways in near-real-time.
We have worked with the partner, to agree aims and objectives for delivery of 'R2O2R' and in collaboration we have agreed overarching principles for the contract. These are
- The models will continue to be developed as required, for transition to operation and will be effectively supported by BGS;
- The collaboration between MO and the partner institution will aim to ensure the best possible resilience for the models over the long term (by seeking to retain expert support during transition to operations);
- Partner expertise and knowledge will effectively be transferred to MO in order to secure the transfer of the models into operation;
- The boundaries and mechanisms for of any ongoing collaborative relationship (beyond the contract period) with the partner will be defined and any principles agreed;
- The contract deliverables will ensure that the balance of knowledge and expertise to run, support and interpret the models and their outputs, and reliance on expertise will shift away from the partners and towards the MO for transition to operation;
- The collaboration will take a risk-based approach to ensuring the models and model outputs are able to transition to operation.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £157,872 excluding VAT
- £189,446 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
30 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 8 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
- Single supplier - technical reasons
Competition is absent for technical reasons and proprietary rights:
The deliverables within the contract are associated with a model and code already developed and owned by the partner, (supplier) to a specific maturity under the SWIMMR Programme. The academics hold the model code IPR and provide model access to Met Office and therefore are uniquely placed to provide these services to the Met Office. Delivery will 'accelerate' the model's development towards transition to operations within the Met Office Space Weather service. The purpose of the contract is to continue development of the models (which requires the 'deep expertise' of the model developer) and to transfer model and model code knowledge and expertise. In short, there is no other supplier for the work associated with the model. Therefore, to undertake this, work the Met Office requires the code and expertise solely located at BGS.
Supplier
British Geological Survey (BGS) a component of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWHV-7273-PGJY
Nicker Hill
Keyworth, Nottingham
NG12 5GG
United Kingdom
Email: businessdevelopment@bgs.ac.uk
Website: http://www.bgs.ac.uk
Region: UKF16 - South Nottinghamshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Met Office
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVZW-3234-DTLY
Met Office
Exeter
EX1 3PB
United Kingdom
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - central government