Scope
Description
The DBT Digital, Data and Technology team leads on development of AI tools and services within the department.
This is done through our 'AI Cubed' model, which aims to identify, test, develop and evaluate use cases for applying artificial intelligence within the department.
We are seeking to procure specialist expertise to support delivery of this model. We expect this to take the form of suitably skilled teams and individuals joining relevant AI Cubed teams and projects within the AI Lab, AI Factory or AI Operations.
Total value (estimated)
- £9,000,000 excluding VAT
- £10,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028
- Possible extension to 30 May 2029
- 2 years, 11 months, 30 days
Description of possible extension:
If required by DBT's DDaT team.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 1
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 1
Lot 1. AI Lab
Description
This is a place for rapid, time-limited exploration and assessment of AI use cases
Lot value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. AI Factory
Description
This is where AI Lab proofs of concept are developed into real, production tools and components
Lot value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. AI Operations
Description
This is where AI tools and components are operated, maintained and scaled
Lot value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
9 October 2025
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
3 November 2025, 11:59pm
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 June 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 - Participation Stage | Questions TBC. Financial tests and technical ability criteria to be assessed. |
Quality |
| Phase 2 - Weighted VfM | Questions and weightings TBC. Quality will be the detailed look towards the requirement as well as the overall project delivery and contract management approaches, questions on how the company... |
Quality |
| Phase 2 - Weighted VfM | Rate Cards to be assessed. |
Price |
| Phase 3 - PQP+ | Scenario based questions will be assessed here. Price score will be assessed based on submission of rate card in Phase 2. |
Quality |
Weighting description
TBC
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Contracting authority
Department for Business & Trade
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZZJ-6312-QTTD
Old Admiralty Building
London
SW1A 2DY
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government