The Digital Continuity project

Information for suppliers

The Digital Continuity project is creating a shared service to ensure the long-term survival and readability of the electronic information needed for ongoing government business. The project has received funding from central government departments to conduct a full assessment of needs and to commission a commercial supplier (or suppliers, as appropriate) to deliver a shared service. If you would like to find out more about the project's broad aims, look at our background information.

Our procurement approach

There are a number of potential technical and commercial approaches to solving the problem of technological obsolescence. For example, complex technical integrations would affect departments' systems and data holdings, whilst a bureau service would have little or no technical impact on departments. Different benefits and costs are associated with each approach.

Because of this, we intend to engage with potential commercial suppliers through a procurement process known as competitive dialogue, to understand the most economically advantageous solution. Competitive dialogue is mostly used in complex projects, where structured dialogue with selected suppliers allows for a much more flexible and creative approach to assessing possible solutions.

Timelines

We are aiming to start the formal procurement process early in 2009, issuing a Prior Information Notice (PIN) late in 2008, followed by a formal OJEU (Official Journal of the European Union) notice. During the procurement process, we will negotiate directly and confidentially with a number of suppliers to develop a detailed solution. 

Consortium building and networking opportunities

Early feedback from suppliers indicates that they would appreciate early opportunities to explore consortium building. To facilitate this, we are inviting suppliers to announce their interest in the project, key skills or areas of expertise and desire to find potential partners on The National Archives website. The solution is likely to require expertise in search, hosting, storage, IT security and information, and experience of working in the government sector.

Our aim is to help with supplier networking but we will not be taking an active role in promoting consortium building.

If you would like to take advantage of this opportunity please email digitalcontinuity@nationalarchives.gov.uk with the following information:

Companies will be listed in alphabetical order on our Seeking a commercial partner? page, at the discretion of The National Archives.

PLEASE NOTE: Any information found on this area of the website is intended for guidance only. The National Archives excludes all liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for any reliance by any party upon any information contained within this area of the website site and The National Archives accepts no responsibility or liability for the content or activities conducted by any parties in possession of such information. By submitting your contact information to The National Archives or using any such information you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.

Developing a customer base

The National Archives is leading the Digital Continuity project to identify a solution on behalf of central government departments. We are currently working with them to scope their needs and refine detailed requirements, developing a committed and engaged customer base.

Market soundings

We want to maintain engagement with suppliers and undertake more detailed market soundings to develop our understanding of supplier capabilities and interests, and to ensure project feasibility. Suppliers interested in the project, and who would be open to further involvement at this pre-procurement stage, are invited to register their interest by emailing karen.wilson@nationalarchives.gov.uk.

Please state your name, organisation, job title and key responsibilities, business overview, and contact details.