BBC hunts for digital testing supplier in £25m deal

Broadcaster requires a single provider to supply it with a range of IT and software testing services

The BBC is on the hunt for a partner to provide it with software testing and IT services worth up to £25m.

In its recently published Provision of Digital Testing Services tender, the BBC said it wants a sole provider to supply it with internet services, software testing, debugging software and a range of other testing services.

The deal is set to last for two years, with the option to extend the contract for two successive 12-month periods, and will be worth between £15m and £25m.

"The BBC estimates that the annual pro-rata contract value will be at the low end of this range, particularly during the early stages of the framework term. A higher upper limit has been provided to ensure increases in contract values can occur if the need arises," the tender read.

The BBC added that the contract will require the provider to supply it with a range of products designed to test its digital products, including its digital and broadcast platforms, desktops, mobile devices and cloud technology.

Between 10 and 15 firms are expected to be invited to tender for the contract, and the most economically advantageous offer will be accepted, the BBC added.