The Home Office is on the lookout for tech suppliers to help keep the UK safe from potential nuclear threats. Bids are now open for a new contract to support the Cyclamen programme, which includes detection facilities for radiological and nuclear material at UK ports and even one site in northern France. The contract, expected to be worth up to £360m, will run for up to 10 years and be split into three towers overseen by a single “prime supplier”.
The first tower will focus on fixed detection systems and mobile units that can be deployed tactically. The second tower will handle IT management of the infrastructure, while the third tower will oversee a test facility for any updates to the detection estate.
Interested parties have until 6 September to submit their bids, with the contract set to be in effect in about a year. The Cyclamen programme is currently supported by various providers, including Symetrica, Actica, and PA Consulting. The importance of this programme cannot be understated, as the threat of a nuclear attack remains a concern for the UK.
To learn more about the contract and the Cyclamen programme, check out the document here.