Automated Weather Station Data Service and Processing Platform

The Met Office is seeking qualified organizations to deliver a Third Party Observation Data Service (3PODS). This opportunity comprises two lots that work together: Lot 1 requires the supply of Automated Weather Station (AWS) data from approximately 2,000+ UK sites of comparable quality to the existing WOW dataset, with potential expansion to 3,000+ sites over five years based on budget and data suitability. Lot 2 requires development and delivery of a data processing platform that automates ingestion and integration of observation data into Met Office systems with minimal staff involvement, supporting rapid deployment of new data sources from various providers including government agencies, local authorities, academic institutions, energy providers, and marine monitoring networks. The service will run for an initial 2-year period with optional extensions of 2 and 1 years (maximum 5 years total). Lot 1 data supply will commence only after Lot 2 platform delivery is complete and operational, unless Lot 2 is not awarded, in which case Lot 1 may proceed independently. The key evaluation criterion for Lot 2 is demonstrable material improvement in deployment speed compared to current Met Office internal capabilities.