Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2 (QAT2)
A Tender Notice
by THE MINISTER FOR THE CABINET OFFICE ACTING THROUGH CROWN COMMERCIAL SERVICE (CCS)
- Source
- Find a Tender
- Type
- Contract (Services)
- Duration
- 9 year
- Value
- £0-£800M
- Sector
- TECHNOLOGY
- Published
- 25 Jun 2025
- Delivery
- To 07 May 2035 (est.)
- Deadline
- 23 Feb 2026 17:00
Concepts
Location
United Kingdom:
1 buyer
Description
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) set up a dynamic purchasing system for an initial period of 48 months. The time limit for expressions of interest was extended to 1 July 2025 and this date has now been extended to 23 February 2029. CCS is inviting bidders to request to participate for the Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2 DPS. This DPS will provide central government and wider public sector departments the opportunity to procure Quality Assurance and Testing services from a range of suppliers. The DPS filters are for services, location, clearance and scalability.
Total Quantity or Scope
The supplier shall have the ability to provide quality assurance and testing for IT systems to central government and wider public sector departments. Additional information: The duration given in II.2.7 is the duration of the DPS Initial period was 48 months First extension period was 19 months This is a further extension of 3 years and 7 months Total duration is 112 months
Renewal Options
Customers may enter into a contract with a supplier for a period of their determining which may exceed the RM6148 Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2 DPS Agreement, should this agreement be terminated at any time. The flexibility of the contracting period allows customers (Buyers) to determine appropriate contracting timelines required to enable the supplier to meet customer needs.
CPV Codes
- 72590000 - Computer-related professional services
Indicators
- This is a one-off contract (no recurrence)
- Renewals are available.
- Professional qualifications are sought.
Other Information
If you are successfully appointed to the DPS you will be invited by customers (buyers) to submit tenders for relevant services through a competition. This DPS remains open for any supplier to request to participate throughout its 112 month duration. CCS reserve the right to reduce, extend or terminate the DPS period at any time during its lifetime in accordance with the terms set out in the DPS Agreement. The value in section II.1.5 has been increased in line with the extension of the period of validity. ** PREVIEW NOTICE, please check Find a Tender for full details. ** The RM6148 Quality Assurance and Testing for IT Systems 2 (QAT2) has been extended and the time limit for expressions of interest is now 23 February 2029. The extension will maintain service provision so that customers can continue to buy the services they need. This is in line with other extensions to DPS agreements provided by CCS. The extension will also facilitate development of a replacement framework which will adhere to the Procurement Act 2023. The value provided in Section II.1.5) is only an estimate. The Authority cannot guarantee to suppliers any business through this DPS Agreement. The Authority expressly reserves the right: (i) not to award any DPS Agreement 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 tendering competition; and in no circumstances will the customer be liable for any costs incurred by the suppliers. (iii) to make changes to the management charge applicable to this DPS in relation to both the percentage charged and the methodology used. We consider that the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 ("TUPE") may apply at the call for competition. It is the Supplier’s responsibility to take their own advice and consider whether TUPE is likely to apply in the particular circumstances of the contract and to act accordingly. On 2.4.2014 Government introduced its Government Security Classifications (GSC) scheme which replaced Government Protective Marking Scheme (GPMS). A key aspect is the reduction in the number of security classifications used. All bidders should make themselves aware of the changes as it may impact on this requirement. The link below to Gov.uk provides information on the GSC at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/government-security-classifications. Cyber Essentials is a mandatory requirement for central government contracts which involve handling personal information or provide certain ICT products/services. Government is taking steps to reduce the levels of cyber security risk in its supply chain through the Cyber Essentials scheme. The scheme defines a set of controls which, when implemented, will provide organisations with basic protection from the most prevalent forms of threat coming from the internet. To participate in this procurement, bidders must be able to demonstrate they comply with the technical requirements prescribed by Cyber Essentials, for services under and in connection with this procurement.
Reference
- ocds-h6vhtk-04116e
- FTS 035206-2025