Cyber Accelerator Programme: Design Partnerships - Delivery Partner Wanted

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) is seeking a delivery partner to run the Cyber Accelerator Programme: Design Partnerships. This programme creates a structured pathway connecting public-sector organisations with genuine cyber security challenges to innovative cyber SMEs who can develop and test solutions together. The delivery partner will recruit a Challenge Council of senior public-sector technology leaders (such as CISOs and chief architects), identify and select cyber SMEs as Programme Innovators, facilitate design partnerships between matched pairs, and support the adoption of successful solutions. The programme operates on a pro bono basis for participants - innovators receive no payment and participation provides no guarantee of future work or contracts. The delivery partner will manage all programme activities including recruitment, challenge development, design partnership facilitation, governance, compliance, reporting, event organisation and creation of reusable learning materials. This is an 18-month programme running from January 2027 to March 2028 with a budget of up to £1.2 million (excluding VAT). DSIT will award a fixed-price contract with milestone-based payments. Before finalising the procurement, DSIT is conducting this Request for Information to test whether the proposed delivery model is realistic and achievable, whether the market has sufficient capability and capacity, whether the timetable and fixed-price approach are workable, and what changes would improve supplier interest, competition and value for money. A minimum of five design partnerships is expected, each focusing on a different cyber challenge. Interested suppliers should provide feedback on feasibility, capacity, risks, legal considerations, and any suggested improvements.