This VEAT notice is in relation to the Cross-Regional Supplier Framework (known colloquially as Type C) which was established to award Initial Call-Off Contracts for multiple regions within the UK and award Call-Off Contracts over the life of the Framework. This is part of the Gigabit Infrastructure Subsidy programme. <br/><br/>This is not a new contract opportunity but rather a VEAT notice to inform the market that the contracting authority intends to exercise the right indicated in the contract notice to increase the Framework value set out in that notice and for the purpose indicated in the contract notice - to ensure that the Framework can be used in accordance with criteria 1 – 4 for the use of the Framework. <br/><br/>Before proceeding with the Framework value increase, the contracting authority is holding a 10 calendar day standstill period (Regulation 99(3)(c) Public Contracts Regulations 2015). The standstill period commences on the day following the publication of this notice. The contracting authority will not proceed with the value increase until this standstill period has expired. <br/><br/>This transparency notice does not place any obligation on the contracting authority to proceed with the proposed value increase.

The Type C contract notice explained that the Framework was to appoint a single supplier to build gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure and whose role would be to target premises in respect of which (1) no or no appropriate market interest has been received through GIS market engagement steps for proposed Type A or Type B procurement areas; (2) BDUK has not awarded a contract following a procurement for Type A or Type B areas; (3) Type A or Type B contracts that cover these premises fail to be delivered by the supplier and are descoped or terminated; (4) Type C provides demonstrably better value for money or pace of build or coverage. As is clear from criteria 1 – 4, use of Type C is contingent on external factors. <br/><br/>To date 8 Call-Off Contracts have been awarded under Type C to subsidise the design, build and operation of gigabit-capable supplier networks providing long-term, sustainable availability of wholesale gigabit broadband services in the hardest to reach parts of the UK. Please see BDUK transparency data for June 2026: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/premises-contracted-and-built-project-gigabit-contracts/june-2026-premises-contracted-and-built-under-project-gigabit-contracts <br/><br/>The contracting authority proposes to increase the estimated value of the Type C Framework by up to £1.146bn to allow the Framework to continue to deliver in line with criteria (1) – (4). This will lead to an updated Framework value of up to £2.346bn, taking into account an earlier modification to the Framework value.

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)

Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition The contracting authority considers that the proposed value increase is justified under Regulation 72(1)(a) Public Contracts Regulations 2015. It is in line with the terms provided for in the initial procurement documents including the contract notice. The value increase is to ensure the Framework can be used in accordance with criteria (1) – (4) as indicated in the contract notice. The overall nature of the Framework is unchanged. The Framework will target premises only in line with criteria (1) – (4). The award of Call-Off Contracts will continue to be preceded by market engagement and informed by the National Rolling Open Market Review. The Framework will continue to operate in line with its terms as awarded.