Adoption of cheri technology (PIN")

We are looking at holding a short presentation for prospective suppliers and are happy to receive questions / topics to be addressed during this session via email (before 10:00 AM on 12th February 2025) to stuart.smith@dsit.gov.uk or during the MS Teams meeting which we’ll setup w/c 17th February 2025 Please express your interest in this opportunity via the email address above before 15:00 on 15th February

PRJ 4961 estimated value £800,000 ex VAT

The purpose of this PIN is to provide advance notice that the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology is considering undertaking a tender exercise to set up a new project related to technology development and adoption of CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions).

Deploying technology that is secure by design reduces the risk of losses from cyber attacks, cuts the cost of ownership with fewer security updates, and creates competitive advantage, allowing businesses to create innovative systems built on secure foundations.

The Digital Security by Design programme has built and proven the efficacy of a CHERI, a new microprocessor architecture, securing systems at the silicon level, closing the door on security vulnerabilities that are exploited in 70% of cyber attacks.

The savings, benefits and competitive edge offered by CHERI can only be achieved once the design is adopted into the mainstream production environment. To realise the benefits of CHERI in a timely manner, additional effort will be required for its adoption.

The department wants to understand how we can convene a critical mass of businesses and funding to unblock the adoption pathway for CHERI and achieve adoption in real world applications at scale.

The department invites suggestions and feedback from the market on the scope of the Unlocking CHERI adoption project, including its lots and structure.

Once available the Invitation to tender documentation for this procurement may be freely accessed from the Department via the Jaggaer portal

The lotting structure of this framework will be determined following market engagement.

Duration in months: 9-12 months

This contract is subject to renewal: No

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria will be stated only in the procurement documents.

Presentations will be made available after the session(s).

The department uses Jagger eSourcing Portal as its eSourcing tool. Jaggaer will be used for this competition. To register as a supplier, please visit www.jaggaer.com and follow the instructions to register as a supplier.

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.

Services will be delivered primarily within the United Kingdom.

The estimated value is an indicative value over the lifetime of the framework.

The Cyber Essentials scheme is mandatory for Central Government Contracts which involve handling personal information and providing certain ICT products and services. The scheme defines a set of controls which, when properly implemented, will provide organisations with basic protection from the most prevalent forms of threat coming from the internet.

To participate in this procurement, bidders will be required to demonstrate that they are Cyber Essentials compliant for the services under and in connection with the procurement

Estimated timescale for any publication of a subsequent ITT is Mid-end March 2025

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria will be stated only in the procurement documents.