Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy Programme - Cross-Regional Framework (Type C)

Description

The government’s Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy (GIS) Programme, part of Project Gigabit, supports the build of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure in the areas of the UK which are unlikely to attract commercial investment for such infrastructure within a reasonable timeframe, if at all, referred to as the final 20% (f20). Building Digital UK will target market intervention subsidies in these areas of the UK to subsidise the build of gigabit-capable networks providing long-term, sustainable availability of wholesale gigabit broadband services in the hardest to reach parts of the UK.<br/><br/>BDUK intends to establish a Cross-Regional Single Supplier Framework, known colloquially as Type C, to award call-off contracts over the life of the GIS Programme. Lot 1: BDUK intends to establish a Cross-Regional Single Supplier Framework, known colloquially as Type C, to award call-off contracts over the life of the GIS Programme. It is BDUK's current intention that call-off contracts may be awarded by BDUK and may also potentially be awarded by one or more of the Devolved Administrations; this will in any case be confirmed in the future should BDUK decide to issue a procurement.<br/><br/>The Cross-Regional Framework is intended to appoint a supplier for the GIS Programme whose role would be to target premises in respect of which (1) no or no appropriate market interest has been received through GIS market engagement steps for proposed Type A or Type B procurement areas; (2) BDUK has not awarded a contract following a procurement for Type A or Type B areas; (3) Type A or Type B contracts that cover these premises fail to be delivered by the supplier and are descoped or terminated; (4) Type C provides demonstrably better value for money or pace of build or coverage. Call-off contracts awarded under the Cross-Regional Framework will subsidise the design, build and operation of gigabit-capable supplier networks providing long-term, sustainable availability of wholesale gigabit broadband services in the hardest to reach parts of the UK.<br/><br/>BDUK issued a PIN on 18 August 2022 - ref 2022/S 000-023019, to discuss the Cross-Regional Framework. The drafted Terms & Conditions (T&Cs) were shared at the time and have now been developed further. BDUK wishes to invite considered feedback on these T&Cs from the market and gain an understanding of the market appetite for Type C. BDUK encourages suppliers interested in this requirement to respond to this PIN indicating their interest in Type C (whether or not those suppliers previously expressed an interest in the earlier PIN). Suppliers should consider that the pre-qualification financial thresholds will be reflective of the potential anticipated annual spend against the framework. They will also need to be able to demonstrate that they can deliver gigabit-capable connectivity at pace and volume to support BDUK's 2025 and 2030 objectives. Suppliers wishing to access and provide feedback on the T&Cs should contact the supplier mailbox: bduksuppliers@dcms.gov.uk. Suppliers have a one week window from the date of PIN publication in which to express an interest, the deadline being 12 January 2023.<br/><br/>Once the T&Cs have been issued to suppliers who have expressed an interest, it is BDUK's intention that they will have up to 1 week to review and provide feedback. Any changes in timescales will be notified to suppliers who have expressed an interest by the stated deadline. BDUK will consider all feedback but this may not result in changes being made.<br/><br/>This PIN does not commit BDUK to publishing a procurement and is intended for market engagement purposes only. The value of this PIN is indicative and is subject to change should BDUK decide to issue a procurement.