Scope
Reference
C26340
Description
The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is progressing a major transformation of its legacy IT estate, moving to modern, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)-based applications.
As part of this transformation, DBS intends to implement a modern, CREST accredited Security Operations Centre (SOC) service to protect and monitor its next-generation estate.
DBS has previously undertaken market engagement under the Crown Commercial Service Framework RM3764.3 - Cyber Security Services 3. That exercise helped shape our proposed approach to contracting and identified the information that potential bidders would find most useful in an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process. Feedback from that earlier engagement has been incorporated into our updated approach, which we are now seeking to test through this further round of market engagement.
This engagement will share:
• Updated draft requirements and implementation expectations
• A proposed pricing model template
• Indicative volumes for the information we have available
• Our intended contracting approach
We will also seek feedback on the potential use of a simple Competitive Flexible procedure for the procurement, and will gauge the level of market interest in the opportunity.
The objective is to ensure our requirements are aligned with market capabilities and expectations, and to refine our approach ahead of formal procurement.
Planned Market Engagement Timeline:
• Market Engagement Launch (RFI issued): 11 August 2025
• Market Engagement Close: 26 August 2025
For the avoidance of doubt, DBS does not commit to adopting the approach set out in the market engagement documentation for the subsequent procurement process.
More information about DBS and its operations can be found at: Disclosure and Barring Service - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2032
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72212730 - Security software development services
- 72500000 - Computer-related services
- 48200000 - Networking, Internet and intranet software package
- 72260000 - Software-related services
- 79710000 - Security services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
26 August 2025
Engagement process description
Suppliers wishing to participate in this online market engagement should register by emailing DBSTenders@dbs.gov.uk with confirmation they are registered on Home Office Jaggaer. Suppliers who are not yet registered can do so here: https://homeoffice.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html
The market engagement event will be open for participation from 11th August 2025 until 26th August 2025 and will be conducted via Jaggaer. Please ensure you register in good time to enable your participation.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
15 September 2025
Contracting authority
DBS
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJXX-6763-PBZL
10 Princes Parade, Liverpool
Merseyside
L3 1QY
United Kingdom
Contact name: Guy Watkinson
Email: DBSTenders@dbs.gov.uk
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government