Scope
Reference
PROC/2024/39
Description
The BBC is seeking to procure an Internet-facing authoritative DNS (Domain Name Service) solution. The purpose of this solution is to ensure BBC Online and related services continue to remain available in the UK across the globe.
Due to the critical nature of this service to the BBC's online presence, it is essential the BBC has direct access to the technical and operational teams responsible for providing the DNS services. To ensure service continuity and the necessary level of technical expertise, the BBC will not accept tender submissions from third parties, such as resellers. The BBC will instead only accept submissions from DNS infrastructure providers capable of delivering the service directly.
Currently, the high availability design of BBC Online relies heavily on DNS for load balancing across different service architectures, failover responses in the event of service problems, and ensuring the best possible audience experience by routing clients to the most appropriate services that can respond to their requests.
The solution will aim to provide:
1. The necessary DNS resolution capacity to satisfy current global query levels, and to withstand large-scale DDoS attacks against DNS without affecting availability or performance
2. Increased resilience to global DNS network failure or service problems by provision of two logically and physically separated DNS resolver networks.
3. Increased resilience to volumetric DDoS attacks by including additional network edge intelligence such as IP reputation data in the dynamic configurations.
4. Increased service analytics & insights into DNS usage to inform operational monitoring and business reporting.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,100,000 excluding VAT
- £1,320,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 December 2025 to 28 December 2028
- Possible extension to 28 December 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
Initial contract is for three years with an option to extend for a further two years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72315000 - Data network management and support services
- 72700000 - Computer network services
- 72417000 - Internet domain names
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
For full details of Conditions of Participation, please refer to the tender documentation.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Due to the critical nature of this service to the BBC's online presence, it is essential the BBC has direct access to the technical and operational teams responsible for providing the DNS services. To ensure service continuity and the necessary level of technical expertise, the BBC will not accept tender submissions from third parties, such as resellers. The BBC will instead only accept submissions from DNS infrastructure providers capable of delivering the service directly.
For full details of Conditions of Participation, please refer to the tender documentation.
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
15 August 2025, 2:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
2 September 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
In order to take part in this tender, please take the following steps:
1 - Register your company on the Jaggaer eSourcing portal (this is only required once):
1.1 Go to https://bbc.bravosolution.co.uk
1.2 - Click the link on the login page to register.
1.3 Accept the terms and conditions and click 'Continue'.
1.4 - Enter your correct business and user details.
1.5 - Note the username you chose and click 'Save' when complete.
1.6 - You will shortly receive an email with your temporary password.
2 - Express an interest in the tender:
2.1 - Login to the portal with the username/password.
2.2 - Click the 'PQQs Open to all Suppliers' link.
2.3 - Click on the relevant PQQ to access the content.
2.4 - Click the 'Express Interest' button at the top of the page. This will move the PQQ into your 'My PQQs page. (This is a secure area reserved for your projects only).
2.5 - You can now access any attachments by clicking 'Buyer Attachments' in the 'PQQ Details' box.
3. Responding to the tender:
3.1 - Click 'My Response' under PQQ Details', you can choose to 'Create Response' or to 'Decline to Respond' (please give a reason if declining).
3.2 - All RFI documentation can be found within the eTendering portal.
3.3 - Note the deadline for completion, and then follow the onscreen instructions to complete the PQQ.
3.4 You must then submit your reply using the 'Submit Response' button at the top of the page. If you require any further assistance, please consult the online help, or contact the Jaggaer eSourcing help desk.
* * All questions relating to this RFI should be submitted via the BBC's eSourcing portal at https://bbc.bravosolution.co.uk * *
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
15 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 60% |
| Cost | Cost | 40% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
Single stage process, with:
1. Initial submission of tender
2. Clarifications
3. Presentations
4. Best and final offer
Contracting authority
BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation)
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRB-3233-GTQL
Broadcasting House, Portland Place
London
W1A 1AA
United Kingdom
Email: no_reply@bbc.co.uk
Website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/supplying/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government