UK SBS IT150029 Tape Library

The MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit (the “CBSU”) in Cambridge require 2 new tape libraries for storing backup and archive data. A Data backup system is crucial to protecting our scientific data and core computing services, and tape media plays an important role in this system. We currently have a single StroageTek L700 library with 8 LT04 drives, but this is no longer cost-effective to maintain and does not support the latest generation of LTO drives. New hardware would allow us to enable new features of our backup software, reduce our backup windows, provide faster data recovery, and provide denser storage of backup and archive data.

The supplier will be required to deliver the following scope of work:

• Undertake a design that meets the specification, ensuring that all requirements are met.
• Provide support for installation and configuration of the components of the solution to ensure correct operation and optimum performance.
• Provide hardware and software warranty, maintenance, and support for a period of 5 years. The support should be equivalent next business day response.
• The total cost for all hardware, software, media, and support agreements should be no more than £70,000.

Additional information: UK Shared Business Services eSourcing

As part of the strategic alliance between UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) and Crown Commercial Service (CCS), UK SBS can use the CCS eSourcing Suite for future procurements.

If you have not yet registered on the eSourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link ‘Register for CCS eSourcing’. Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so.

Once you have registered on the eSourcing Suite, a registered user can express an interest for a specific procurement. This is done by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

Your email must clearly state: the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for; the name of the registered Bidder; and the name and contact details for the registered individual sending the email.

Crown Commercial Service will process the email and then enable the Bidder to access the procurement online via the e-Sourcing Suite. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done.

The Sourcing documents can then be accessed on the eSourcing Suite at: https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk using the instructions detailed in the Specification documents within Contracts Finder.

As a user of the e-Sourcing Suite you will have access to Emptoris email messaging service which facilitates all messages sent to you and from you in relation to any specific RFX event. Please note it is your responsibility to access these emails on a regular basis to ensure you have sight of all relevant information.

For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact Crown Commercial Service Helpdesk : Telephone: 0345 010 3503

Training documents to support Bidders utilise Emptoris CCS eSourcing are available in the Contracts Finder Tender documents section.