United Kingdom-Leeds: Super computer – Framework Lead

The current contract for Super computer – Framework Lead is projected to end on 14-JUL-18 and may be available for retender.
Description:
Title attributed to the contract by the contracting authority:: High Performance Computing.

Type of contract and location of works, place of delivery or of performance: Supplies
Purchase
NUTS code UKE42

Information on framework agreement: Framework agreement with a single operator
Duration of the framework agreement
Duration in years: 4
Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement
Estimated value excluding VAT:
Range: between 3 000 000 and 6 000 000 GBP
Frequency and value of the contracts to be awarded: every 2 years plus grant awards during the framework life

Short description of the contract or purchase(s): The University of Leeds seeks to replace and expand its High Performance Computing (HPC) facilities. The current facilities are used extensively across the institution for a wide range of scientific, numerical and data intensive research activities, one of which provides HPC capability to the region through the N8 research partnership (Durham, Lancaster, Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester, Newcastle, Sheffield, York).
This is an investment that continues the strong foundation of a sustainable HPC infrastructure at Leeds, supported by all Faculties. The bulk of this capacity is targeted for 1.8.2015 and have a lifetime of approximately 4 years after its commissioning. Subject to continued support of the agreed long-term strategy, a similar level of investment in upgrade and replacement infrastructure is planned two years from the initial investment and on a two-year cycle thereafter.
This will be the primary, though not necessarily the exclusive, facility for HPC activity at the institution.
The University is keen to continue to develop a broadened ‘research-computing’ service taking into account the wider community’s evolving aspirations, beyond the traditional computational science and engineering user base. To this end, the University wishes to evaluate available technical and commercial solutions that can meet its needs in a cost-effective and energy-efficient manner.
The University will consider options for the provision of these facilities, however is keen to establish a partnership framework for supplying, delivering and developing the HPC services at Leeds.
Funding in the region of 1 000 000 GBP (inclusive of VAT) is available for this project including all hardware, management system, data storage and related services for HPC service provision.
It should be noted that under the previous framework agreement, 5-6M GBP has been transacted over its 4-year duration, including the initial 1M GBP purchase, mid-term upgrade and successful leverage of research grants. We envisage that any framework established during this process to be of a similar magnitude.

Information about variants: Variants will be accepted: yes

Information about renewals: This contract is subject to renewal: no