Scope
Description
The provision, implementation, and support of a fully integrated Broadcast Management System (BMS). The BMS must provide a unified workflow for planning and delivering content across all platforms, including linear broadcast, BBC iPlayer, S4C’s own VOD platform (Clic), and third-party digital/social channels. The system must be capable of managing the end-to-end lifecycle of broadcast content, including:
- Idea submission and commissioning
- Rights management & payments
- Programme finance
- Scheduling and media planning
- Compliance tracking
- Multi-platform distribution (linear, social and VOD)
- Management of access services (e.g. subtitles, audio description, signing)
- Create management reports e.g. OFCOM reports etc.
The BMS must also include integrated functionality for the tracking and administration of programme rights, contributors, and associated metadata, ensuring robust support for editorial and legal compliance across all platforms.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,400,000 excluding VAT
- £2,880,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2036
- Possible extension to 31 March 2038
- 12 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 32000000 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment
- 48100000 - Industry specific software package
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 48900000 - Miscellaneous software package and computer systems
- 48600000 - Database and operating software package
- 48500000 - Communication and multimedia software package
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 September 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
Four companies from the broadcast Scheduling and Planning and rights
management field were approached in order for S4C to be able to test their software and design the requirements for the intended tender.
A letter from S4C was sent inviting the four companies to the process and an appendix was attached giving details of CWMWL and PAC systems developed by S4C that any replacement system should incorporate. A list of questions was also sent with that email the responses to which allowed S4C to shortlist and decide, whether to proceed.
Once S4C had evaluated responses to the Questionnaire sent and an interest to proceed received S4C later sent the four companies an invitation to attend either remote or in person a set of meetings with a larger S4C group to evaluate the software. At that stage the companies were sent a more detailed set of questions attached at the end of the PDF as a three page landscape spreadsheet. Those questions were more specific to internal S4C departments and were derived from discussions
with the teams at S4C and only relevant if attending an interview. Those interviews / demonstrations took place at S4C with some remote attendees.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
10 November 2025
Contracting authority
S4C
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWPJ-3962-ZGHL
Canolfan S4C yr Egin
Caerfyrddin
SA31 3EQ
United Kingdom
Email: cyfreithiol_legal@s4c.cymru
Website: https://s4c.cymru
Region: UKL14 - South West Wales
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales