CS20464 The Provision of Technical Analysis and Advice on Achieving Maximum Longevity on Curreny Wide Arear Network Connectivity to the UK's Smart Metering Network

The final date and time for the submission of bids is Tuesday 15 December 2020 at 14:00

DO NOT apply directly to the buyer.

All tender information MUST be submitted through the Delta eSourcing Portal.

Brief Description Wide Area Network connectivity to Great Britain's smart metering network in the South and Central regions is currently provided by 2/3G cellular technology on the public cellular mobile networks. It is our expectation that all smart metering devices, including the communication hubs that provide this WAN connectivity, will have an operational lifetime of at least 15 years. Two key mitigation strategies that are currently being pursued are: • Moving to a next generation WAN connectivity solution. The Programme is exploring the option of a 4G connectivity solution for newly deployed communications hubs in the Central and South regions. • Securing long term 2/3G connectivity for the smart metering network. The Programme is seeking to ensure that 2/3G WAN connectivity can be maintained for the expected operational lifetime of current 2/3G communications hubs. It is in relation to the second of these mitigation strategies that this work will focus. BEIS has a key objective to secure on-going connectivity for already deployed assets for at least their planned operational lifetime. BEIS recognise that even if 4G-capable communications hubs start to be deployed during rollout there will remain a requirement to provide connectivity to already deployed 2/3G devices. This requirement will run into the late 2030s. Consequently, BEIS believe it prudent to seek to fully dimension any risks to continued connectivity to these devices that may arise from sunsetting, understand what decisions and actions may be necessary to help assure continued connectivity, understand the costs of securing this connectivity, and develop a strategy to deliver an optimum outcome for smart metering. Please ensure you review all attached information to ensure a full understanding of this requirement. All attachments can be found with the Document Uploads tab within the Delta eSourcing Portal. This contract will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria set out in the ITQ document. To Apply UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) will be using the Delta eSourcing Portal for this procurement. To register on the Delta eSourcing portal please use the link https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com and follow the instructions to register. If you are already registered on the Delta eSourcing Portal and wish to participate in this procurement, please use the link: https://uksbs.delta-esourcing.com and the follow the instructions to Login. Once you are logged into the system you will be able to link yourself into this procurement using the Access Code: V5244D9W5Q Please disregard any content in this notice that requests your organisation "to apply directly to the buyer" as this unfortunately a system generated error, that is outside of the Contracting Authorities control.

Additional information: DO NOT APPLY DIRECTLY TO BUYER

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The Contracting Authority expressly reserves the right:

i. not to award any contract as a result of the procurement process commenced by publication of this notice;and

ii. to make whatever changes it may see fit to the content and structure of the procurement; and under no circumstances as part of your organisations participation in this opportunity, will the Contracting Authority be liable for any costs incurred by any organisation as a result. If the Contracting Authority decides to enter into a contract with the successful organisation , this does not mean that there is any guarantee of subsequent contracts being awarded. Any expenditure, work or effort undertaken prior to contract award is accordingly a matter solely for the commercial judgement of your organisation in doing so.

About UK Shared Business Services

UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) brings a commercial attitude to the public sector; helping our contracting authorities to improve efficiency, generate savings and modernise.

Where UK SBS is not named as the Contracting Authority within the documentation, UK SBS will be acting as an agent on behalf of the Contracting Authority.

Our broad range of expert services is shared by our customers. This allows our customers the freedom to focus resources on core activities; innovating and transforming their own organisations.

For full details of our partner base please review the following link: http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/contracts/Pages/default.aspx