← Back to search results

planningFind a Tender · planning Update

Schools Gigabit Broadband

Buyer: Department for Education →

BuyerDepartment for Education
Statusplanning
DeadlineNot published
Value£20,000,000
Published14 Aug 2026

What is being bought

Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2 The Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. Please note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice. Background: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 The Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. Between 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. Between 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. Building on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.

Delivery location

UK, GB

Categories

Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment 32000000Networks 32400000Network equipment 32420000Wide area network 32430000Construction work 45000000Communications system maintenance services 50334400Telecommunications services 64200000Telephone and data transmission services 64210000Wide area network services 72720000

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusplanning
Contract periodFrom 1 Mar 2027 to 28 Feb 2030
SME suitabilitySuitable for SMEs

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment, Wide area network services, Wide area network, Networks, Network equipment, Communications system maintenance services, Telecommunications services, Telephone and data transmission services, Construction workNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 32. The category anchor is Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment (32000000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 327703 median · 44.9 average (225 of 770 with a bid count)3.8 average (244 of 770 with named award suppliers)Not published
Same buyer0Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Delivery region: UK2285 median · 164.8 average (53 of 228 with a bid count)8.2 average (65 of 228 with named award suppliers)Not published
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)40Not publishedNot publishedNot published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeNot published
Covered byNot published
Submission policyNot published
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetValue not published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents1
Planning milestones1
MilestoneTypeDueStatus
Purpose of the Market Engagement Event The market engagement event aims to: 1. Provide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. 2. Gather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. 3. Share and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. 4. Obtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. 5. Launch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. Relevant links: Material: Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal Link: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf Material: DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges Link: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard   Market engagement events: To register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link: Link: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html Once you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event SSQ_832 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link: Once you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event SSQ_832 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. 1. Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session The Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below: 25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00) During this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues. 2. Market Engagement Questionnaire Following our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice. All information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time. To ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers. All dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar. About the buyer Address Department for Education Sanctuary Buildings Great Smith Street LONDON SW1P 3BT England Email EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.ukengagement4 Jan 2027scheduled

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-06e519
Latest release ID077889-2026
Latest release timestampFri Aug 14 2026 18:08:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLNot published
Tender statusplanning
Procurement methodNot published
Procurement method detailsNot published
Main procurement categoryworks
Above thresholdYes
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: endNot published
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadlineNot published
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsNot published
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£20,000,000
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source0
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
14 Aug 2026planningUpdate077889-2026
14 Aug 2026planningUpdate077884-2026
14 Aug 2026planningUpdate077882-2026
14 Aug 2026planning077881-2026

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "077889-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-14T19:08:00+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-03-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "32000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "72720000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network services"
          },
          {
            "id": "32430000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network"
          },
          {
            "id": "32400000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Networks"
          },
          {
            "id": "32420000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Network equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50334400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Communications system maintenance services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telephone and data transmission services"
          },
          {
            "id": "45000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Schools Gigabit Broadband",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 24000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2\nThe Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. \nPlease note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice.\nBackground: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 \nThe Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. \nBetween 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. \nBetween 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. \nBuilding on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00"
    },
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "077889-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077889-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-14T19:08:00+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "Purpose of the Market Engagement Event \nThe market engagement event aims to:\n1.\tProvide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. \n2.\tGather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. \n3.\tShare and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. \n4.\tObtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. \n5.\tLaunch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. \nRelevant links:\nMaterial:   Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal\nLink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf\nMaterial:  DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges\nLink:\t\nhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard\n  \nMarket engagement events:\nTo register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link:\nLink: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html\nOnce you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event SSQ_832 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link:\nOnce you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event SSQ_832 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. \n1.  Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session\nThe Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below:\n25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00)\nDuring this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues.\n2. Market Engagement Questionnaire\nFollowing our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach.   \nAccordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.\nAll information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time.\nTo ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers.\nAll dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar.\nAbout the buyer \nAddress \nDepartment for Education \nSanctuary Buildings \nGreat Smith Street \nLONDON \nSW1P 3BT \nEngland \nEmail \nEducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (4 releases)
14 Aug 2026 · 077889-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "077889-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-14T19:08:00+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-03-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "32000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "72720000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network services"
          },
          {
            "id": "32430000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network"
          },
          {
            "id": "32400000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Networks"
          },
          {
            "id": "32420000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Network equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50334400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Communications system maintenance services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telephone and data transmission services"
          },
          {
            "id": "45000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Schools Gigabit Broadband",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 24000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2\nThe Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. \nPlease note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice.\nBackground: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 \nThe Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. \nBetween 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. \nBetween 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. \nBuilding on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00"
    },
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "077889-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077889-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-14T19:08:00+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "Purpose of the Market Engagement Event \nThe market engagement event aims to:\n1.\tProvide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. \n2.\tGather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. \n3.\tShare and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. \n4.\tObtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. \n5.\tLaunch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. \nRelevant links:\nMaterial:   Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal\nLink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf\nMaterial:  DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges\nLink:\t\nhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard\n  \nMarket engagement events:\nTo register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link:\nLink: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html\nOnce you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event SSQ_832 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link:\nOnce you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event SSQ_832 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. \n1.  Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session\nThe Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below:\n25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00)\nDuring this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues.\n2. Market Engagement Questionnaire\nFollowing our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach.   \nAccordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.\nAll information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time.\nTo ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers.\nAll dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar.\nAbout the buyer \nAddress \nDepartment for Education \nSanctuary Buildings \nGreat Smith Street \nLONDON \nSW1P 3BT \nEngland \nEmail \nEducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
14 Aug 2026 · 077884-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "077884-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-14T18:06:57+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-03-01T00:00:00+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "32000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "72720000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network services"
          },
          {
            "id": "32430000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network"
          },
          {
            "id": "32400000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Networks"
          },
          {
            "id": "32420000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Network equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50334400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Communications system maintenance services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telephone and data transmission services"
          },
          {
            "id": "45000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Schools Gigabit Broadband",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 24000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2\nThe Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. \nPlease note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice.\nBackground: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 \nThe Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. \nBetween 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. \nBetween 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. \nBuilding on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00"
    },
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "077884-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077884-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-14T18:06:57+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "Purpose of the Market Engagement Event \nThe market engagement event aims to:\n1.\tProvide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. \n2.\tGather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. \n3.\tShare and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. \n4.\tObtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. \n5.\tLaunch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. \nRelevant links:\nMaterial:   Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal\nLink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf\nMaterial:  DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges\nLink:\t\nhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard\n  \nMarket engagement events:\nTo register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link:\nLink: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html\nOnce you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event 10560 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link:\nOnce you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event 10560 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. \n1.  Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session\nThe Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below:\n25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00)\nDuring this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues.\n2. Market Engagement Questionnaire\nFollowing our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach.   \nAccordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.\nAll information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time.\nTo ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers.\nAll dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar.\nAbout the buyer \nAddress \nDepartment for Education \nSanctuary Buildings \nGreat Smith Street \nLONDON \nSW1P 3BT \nEngland \nEmail \nEducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
14 Aug 2026 · 077882-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "077882-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-14T18:05:15+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-03-30T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "32000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "72720000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network services"
          },
          {
            "id": "32430000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network"
          },
          {
            "id": "32400000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Networks"
          },
          {
            "id": "32420000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Network equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50334400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Communications system maintenance services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telephone and data transmission services"
          },
          {
            "id": "45000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Schools Gigabit Broadband",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 24000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2\nThe Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. \nPlease note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice.\nBackground: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 \nThe Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. \nBetween 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. \nBetween 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. \nBuilding on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00"
    },
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "077882-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077882-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-14T18:05:15+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "Purpose of the Market Engagement Event \nThe market engagement event aims to:\n1.\tProvide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. \n2.\tGather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. \n3.\tShare and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. \n4.\tObtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. \n5.\tLaunch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. \nRelevant links:\nMaterial:   Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal\nLink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf\nMaterial:  DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges\nLink:\t\nhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard\n  \nMarket engagement events:\nTo register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link:\nLink: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html\nOnce you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event 10560 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link:\nOnce you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event 10560 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. \n1.  Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session\nThe Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below:\n25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00)\nDuring this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues.\n2. Market Engagement Questionnaire\nFollowing our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach.   \nAccordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.\nAll information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time.\nTo ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers.\nAll dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar.\nAbout the buyer \nAddress \nDepartment for Education \nSanctuary Buildings \nGreat Smith Street \nLONDON \nSW1P 3BT \nEngland \nEmail \nEducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
14 Aug 2026 · 077881-2026 · planning
{
  "id": "077881-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-14T18:02:03+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06e519",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "status": "planning",
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2030-02-28T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-03-30T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "32000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "72720000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network services"
          },
          {
            "id": "32430000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Wide area network"
          },
          {
            "id": "32400000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Networks"
          },
          {
            "id": "32420000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Network equipment"
          },
          {
            "id": "50334400",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Communications system maintenance services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64200000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telecommunications services"
          },
          {
            "id": "64210000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Telephone and data transmission services"
          },
          {
            "id": "45000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Construction work"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Schools Gigabit Broadband",
    "value": {
      "amount": 20000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 240000000
    },
    "status": "planning",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "Introduction: School Gigabit Broadband Phase 2\nThe Department for Education (DfE) is seeking early engagement from interested organisations in relation to the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2. \nPlease note that this notice is issued solely for the purposes of preliminary market engagement and information gathering. It does not constitute a call for competition, procurement, or invitation to tender. The Department reserves the right not to commence any formal procurement process or enter any contractual arrangements arising from this engagement. Accordingly, the Department will not be liable for any costs, expenditure, work, or effort incurred by any organisation in responding to or participating in activities associated with this notice.\nBackground: Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 \nThe Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2 is a key DfE initiative that supports the Government's ambition to ensure that all schools in England can meet the required digital standards for broadband connectivity. The programme focuses on schools where suitable gigabit-capable connectivity is not currently available and where no commercial or publicly funded solution is expected to be delivered by the end of 2030. \nBetween 2019 and 2022, the Department facilitated the delivery of gigabit connectivity to approximately 800 rural schools through the Rural Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) and Rural Gigabit Connectivity programmes, funded by Building Digital UK (BDUK) through a grant-based approach. \nBetween 2023 and 2026, the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme (Phase 1) connected a further 800 schools through a DfE-led procurement, partially funded by BDUK. \nBuilding on the programme's success to date, the Department plans to launch a further phase to connect approximately 800 schools across England that still require gigabit-capable broadband. This will help ensure that all schools have access to reliable, high-speed digital infrastructure that meets DfE standard.",
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00"
    },
    "aboveThreshold": true,
    "mainProcurementCategory": "works"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "EducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "077881-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077881-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK2",
        "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-14T18:02:03+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "milestones": [
      {
        "id": "engagement",
        "type": "engagement",
        "status": "scheduled",
        "dueDate": "2027-01-04T23:59:59+00:00",
        "description": "Purpose of the Market Engagement Event \nThe market engagement event aims to:\n1.\tProvide an overview of the Schools Gigabit Broadband Programme Phase 2, including its objectives, scale, geographical demand profile, indicative procurement timetable, and potential technical and commercial requirements. \n2.\tGather supplier insights on current market conditions, delivery challenges, risks, and potential mitigation strategies. \n3.\tShare and discuss data being developed jointly by DfE and BDUK and seek feedback to support its refinement before engagement with schools and Responsible Bodies. \n4.\tObtain supplier feedback on programme design, including lotting approaches, commercial models and pricing approaches that best support the intended outcomes. \n5.\tLaunch a questionnaire to seek further feedback from suppliers on the proposed programme. \nRelevant links:\nMaterial:   Education Estates Strategy: a decade of national renewal\nLink: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6989dec6d3f57710b50a9bd9/Education_estates_strategy_accessible_version.pdf\nMaterial:  DfE Digital Standards for Schools and Colleges\nLink:\t\nhttps://www.gov.uk/guidance/meeting-digital-and-technology-standards-in-schools-and-colleges/broadband-internet-core-standard\n  \nMarket engagement events:\nTo register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link:\nLink: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html\nOnce you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event 10560 – School Gigabit Broadband Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link:\nOnce you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event 10560 - School Gigabit Broadband, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. \n1.  Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session\nThe Department will be hosting a Webinar and Question & Answer Session via Microsoft Teams on the dates below:\n25 August 2026, 11:00 till 12:00 (deadline to register 21 August 17:00)\nDuring this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. The session will provide interested organisations with an opportunity to learn more about the SGB programme and ask questions to inform future planning and potential procurement activity. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 24th of August. It is your responsibility to access these messages and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues.\n2. Market Engagement Questionnaire\nFollowing our market engagement Webinar and Question & Answer Session, the DfE will share a market engagement pack and questionnaire to attendees. Responses will be used to inform the programme design and procurement approach.   \nAccordingly, the Department will not be liable for any bid costs, expenditure, work or effort incurred by any organisation acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.\nAll information included in this notice is indicative, subject to change, and is neither exhaustive nor binding. The Authority reserves the right to amend these details at its discretion at any time.\nTo ensure transparency and equal access to information, the Department intends to publish and share a summary of questions raised during the event, together with responses, with all potential suppliers.\nAll dates and times for this procurement will be in British Summer Time or Greenwich Mean Time, as applicable under the United Kingdom calendar.\nAbout the buyer \nAddress \nDepartment for Education \nSanctuary Buildings \nGreat Smith Street \nLONDON \nSW1P 3BT \nEngland \nEmail \nEducationEstates.COMMERCIAL@education.gov.uk"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}