Framework Agreement for Servers, Storage, High Performance Computing & Managed Infrastructure

Procurement reference

ITS4065 SU

Procurement description

The Southern Universities Procurement Consortium ("SUPC") is acting as lead organisation on behalf of the universities, further education colleges and other organisations which are members of the consortium ("Members"). SUPC is part of The SUMS Group ("SUPC"). As a centralised procurement authority for universities and further education colleges as well as other not-for-profit and public sector organisations, SUPC develops and manages framework agreements. Members have access to a wide range of professionally tendered agreements compliant with the Procurement Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. By using our agreements, Members can purchase competitively priced goods and services across a variety of commodity areas. The current Servers, Storage and Solutions National Agreement ("SSSNA") put in place by SUPC is due to expire on 31 January 2027. In addition, the initial term of the current High-Performance Computing Framework Agreement ("HPC") put in place by SUPC expires 31 August 2027. The new Framework Agreement for Servers, Storage, High Performance Computing and Managed Infrastructure is the proposed replacement for these existing framework agreements. The scope of the new Framework Agreement will include: - on-premise compute infrastructure solutions - servers - storage platforms - research and high-performance computing solutions - associated implementation and lifecycle services including support - infrastructure as a service and managed service offerings, either on-premise or hosted. The Framework is intended to support: - teaching and learning environments - research computing - enterprise IT services and platforms - hybrid and cloud-integrated architectures - secure and sustainable digital infrastructure. The proposed Framework term is 2 years with 2 optional 12 month extension options (maximum term of 4 years). The proposed Lots for the new Framework are as follows: - Lot 1: Commodity Servers and Components - Lot 2: Enterprise Infrastructure and Storage Solutions - Lot 3: High-Performance Computing and Research Compute Solutions - Lot 4: Managed Infrastructure and Consumption Services The new Framework will introduce a number of improvements, including but not limited to, the ability to procure infrastructure delivered as a service including hosted services rather than ownership.

Main category

Goods

Additional categories

Services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Total value (estimated)

3000000000.00 GBP Excluding VAT

3600000000 GBP Including VAT

Contract dates (estimated)

01 February 2027, 00:00AM to 31 January 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 January 2031

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Southern Universities Management Services (SUMS)

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

CPV classifications

• 30200000 - Computer equipment and supplies
• 30210000 - Data-processing machines (hardware)
• 30211100 - Super computer
• 30211300 - Computer platforms
• 30233000 - Media storage and reader devices
• 30233100 - Computer storage units
• 30233140 - Direct-access storage devices (DASD)
• 30233141 - Redundant Array of Independent Disk (RAID)
• 30233180 - Flash memory storage devices
• 30234000 - Storage media
• 48000000 - Software package and information systems
• 48782000 - Storage management software package
• 48800000 - Information systems and servers
• 48820000 - Servers
• 48821000 - Network servers
• 48822000 - Computer servers
• 48823000 - File servers
• 48824000 - Printer servers
• 48825000 - Web servers
• 50312000 - Maintenance and repair of computer equipment
• 50312600 - Maintenance and repair of information technology equipment
• 51000000 - Installation services (except software)
• 51610000 - Installation services of computers and information-processing equipment
• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
• 72300000 - Data services
• 72600000 - Computer support and consultancy services
• 80533100 - Computer training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 February 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 January 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 January 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

1) SUPC intends to conduct Preliminary Market Engagement ("PME") with the market through this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice with a view to sharing information and seeking input from the market to inform and shape current thinking and assist SUPC in its procurement plans and approach for the new Framework Agreement. 2) In addition, SUPC is providing potential suppliers the opportunity to review an Outline Specification for the new Framework Agreement via a PME Questionnaire. Questionnaires should be returned by midday on 26 March 2026 in order that we can consider comments in advance of any formal procurement processes. These documents can be accessed on SUPCs Mercell eSourcing Portal in accordance with the instructions below and completed questionnaires must be returned via the eSourcing Portal. 3) Respondents can indicate within the questionnaire if they are open to a follow up meeting. Please note that due to time and resource constraints, it may not be possible for SUPC to meet with all interested suppliers. Further information can be found in the PME Questionnaire. 4) In addition to the above, a separate questionnaire will be issued to existing Framework Suppliers seeking feedback on the current frameworks and their use by Members. 5) Please be advised that the estimated value of this requirement cannot be derived until the completion of the Preliminary Market Engagement activities. Accordingly, the estimated total value above is indicative only. The main category is currently envisaged to be Goods, however this also cannot be finalised until completion of the PME activities. 6) Interested organisations should note that the procurement strategy, lotting, timetable and commercial model have not been finalised at this stage. SUPC will collate and analyse the responses received. Responses may be used to develop and scope the procurement strategy, commercial model, process and specification including lotting. SUPC will make a final decision on the procurement strategy, commercial model, lots and content of the procurement documentation, having considered feedback. SUPC reserves the right to divide the scope into different lots for bidding purposes and/or carve out some elements of the scope and procure these separately. 7) Disclaimer. This Preliminary Market Engagement is intended solely to gather market insights and inform future scoping for the potential framework. It does not represent a solicitation, request for proposal, or commitment to proceed with any procurement process. No contractual or financial obligations arise from participation in this engagement. All decisions remain subject to internal approvals and applicable policies. Non-Commitment: This is not a tender and does not guarantee a future procurement. No Advantage/Disadvantage: Engagement (or lack of) does not influence any subsequent tender evaluation. Engagement also does not guarantee participation in the procurement process. Accuracy Liability: The information provided is for Market Research only. Rights Reserved: SUPC reserve the right to change the process or abandon the procurement altogether, should they wish to. 8) To access this Preliminary Market Engagement opportunity, please click on the following link. https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=102939&TID=100108146&B= Alternatively, please click on https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=SUPC and on the left click on 'Current tender opportunities'. The resulting opportunities will be listed below. From the list, click on the Framework name, this will open the PME opportunity. If you are not already registered on the system, you will need to do so before gaining full access to the PME documentation and being able to submit your response. Please click on https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=SUPC and in the centre of the screen click on 'New supplier registration'. Please contact uksupport@eu-supply.com in the event that you experience any issues with registering or accessing this opportunity on the Portal.

Due date

26 March 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

26 May 2026