Bulk Storage Replacement

UK Biobank ('UKBB') is issuing this tender to invite Bids for a replacement to its existing Petabyte level storage system.

The system hosts a data repository and consists of three identical DDN EXAScaler appliances, each sited in a different location.

The proposed solution must consist of identical, standalone systems.

The ability of the systems to store a large volume of data is essential.

Whilst most files comprising the data are typically a few hundred MB in size, the total number of files mean each system must offer a minimum usable capacity of 1.5 Petabytes.

Whilst the performance demands on the systems will not be high, the systems must meet certain criteria in respect of size, connectivity, and operational standards.

In particular, each system must be no more than 20U in height and fit into a standard rack with an external width of 60cm and external depth of 120cm deep.

The systems should be easy to use and include features that allow for file recovery, event notification, and reporting.

The existing appliances are covered by support until 30 November 2023.

Consequently, all purchased systems need to be installed, commissioned, and handed over to UKBB in advance of this date.

Following installation and commissioning, a 5-year service support contract is required for each of the systems.

UK Biobank reserves the right to discontinue or delay the procurement process and may decide not to award a contract as a result of this call for competition.

UK Biobank shall not be liable for any costs or expenses incurred by any organisation in considering and/or responding to the procurement process.

UK Biobank has obligations under the UK General Data Protection Regulation and to its stakeholders to ensure that its information is stored, transmitted and processed securely, with appropriate organisational and technical measures in place.

UK Biobank must also take reasonable steps to ensure that information it shares continues to be protected with adequate security.

These requirements represent a generic level of security standards for data storage, retrieval and usage that suppliers and partners of UK Biobank must comply with.

The estimated contract value for the initial purchase of 1 system may be in the range of 450,000 - 550,000 GBP, but it is not possible to provide an overall maximum estimated value for the contract.

However, based on the initial purchase above, and whilst recognising the value may vary, the overall maximum value for the purchase of 1 system if the contract lasts for the full 5 year period could be in the range of 850,000 - 900,000 GBP.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the myTenders Web Site at https://www.mytenders.co.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAY166508