Cost Analysis of Future Digital Infrastructure Options

The Authority is looking for accurate, independent and up to date information on the relative deployment and operating costs of realistic, future digital infrastructure options. Due to the 30 year time frame the Authority has been asked to consider and the need for up to date information in such a fast moving environment, the work is necessary for the Authority's ability to make objective and evidence based policy recommendations. The options to be considered include:

• Fibre to the home/premise (FTTH/P); • G.fast (and subsequent copper based technological advancements); • DOCSIS 3.1 (and subsequent cable based technological advancements); • Fixed to the locale wireless.

Additional information: How to apply Instructions to Potential Providers:

Potential Providers must first be registered on the Crown Commercial Service e-Sourcing Suite in order to respond to the Procurement. If you have not yet registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS e-Sourcing'.

Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so at the Invitation to Tender stage. Potential Providers should note that it could take up to 10 working days to obtain a DUNS number. Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at: http://gps.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender

Once you have registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, you will need to express your interest by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@Crowncommercial.gov.uk [The dead line for expressing an interest in the Request for Information event is [insert time, day and date (DD/MM/YYYY)]] [Delete if not applicable (ie Open competitions)]

Your email must clearly state: - name/reference of this procurement - the name of the registered supplier; and - the name and contact details

Crown Commercial Service will then process your registration and assign your organisation to the opportunity. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done.

It is advised however that Potential Providers register as soon as practically possible in order to receive the Invitation to Tender and have a sufficient amount of time to respond. Crown Commercial Service is not able to offer any extensions to the advertised procurement timetable.

For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact the Helpdesk: Freephone: 0345 010 3503 Email: supplier@Crowncommercial.gov.uk