The Home Office is on the lookout for tech suppliers to help keep the UK safe from potential nuclear threats. The department has put out a call for bids to support the Cyclamen programme, which includes detection facilities for radiological and nuclear material at UK ports and even one site in northern France. This important technology is backed up by IT infrastructure both on-premises and in the cloud.
The new commercial agreement for Cyclamen is expected to be worth up to £360m and will last for up to 10 years. Divided into three towers, the agreement will be overseen by a single “prime supplier.” The first tower deals with fixed detection systems and mobile units that can be deployed tactically. The second tower focuses on managing the IT infrastructure, while the third tower oversees a test facility for any updates to the detection system.
Bidding for the contract is open until 6 September, with the Home Office planning to evaluate no more than five providers further. The contract is set to take effect in about a year for an initial five-year term, with possible extensions up to a decade.
The Cyclamen programme currently relies on various providers, including Symetrica, Actica, and PA Consulting. The new tech contract will be crucial in maintaining the UK’s defense against potential nuclear threats, as highlighted in the National Risk Register. The Cyclamen capability has been in operation since 2003 and plays a vital role in protecting the UK border and supporting the government’s counter-terrorism strategy.