Bournemouth University ("BU" or the "University") is exploring options for the provision of a co-managed Security Operations Centre (SOC) service to enhance and future-proof its cyber security operations capability. The University is seeking market feedback from experienced Managed Security Service Providers to better understand available service models, implementation approaches, commercial arrangements and indicative costs. BU has invested significantly in its internal cyber security capability and Microsoft security technologies, including Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, Entra ID Protection, Security Copilot and related services. The University is now considering how external specialist support could complement its in-house team through a co-managed SOC operating model. The key objectives of a future service are expected to include: - Enhancing monitoring, detection and response capabilities through either 24/7 or out-of-hours SOC coverage. - Improving threat detection, triage, false-positive reduction and incident response effectiveness. - Providing additional specialist expertise, operational resilience and surge capacity during major incidents or periods of heightened risk. - Maintaining and continuously improving detection rules, playbooks, automation and security monitoring capabilities. - Leveraging threat intelligence, sector insight, automation and AI-enabled capabilities to strengthen cyber resilience and operational effectiveness. - Establishing a robust governance, reporting and service management framework with clear responsibilities between BU and the supplier. - Maximising the value of the University's existing Microsoft security investments while minimising the need for additional tooling wherever appropriate. The University wishes to understand how the market can support these objectives, together with the costs, benefits, risks and implementation considerations associated with different service models. Supplier feedback received through this Preliminary Market Engagement exercise will help inform the University's future requirements, budget planning and procurement strategy.

Procurement Act 2023

The Engagement deadline has been extended for period of 1 week. The updated Engagement deadline is 06 October 2026.

The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise is to engage with the market and gather supplier insight to help Bournemouth University develop its future Security Operations Centre requirements, understand available service models and technologies, and inform its procurement strategy and budget planning. Objectives - Gain a better understanding of the current market for co-managed Security Operations Centre services and Managed Security Service Providers. - Understand the range of operating models available, including 24/7 and out-of-hours service provision. - Gather feedback on implementation approaches, governance models, service levels, automation and AI capabilities, and commercial arrangements. - Obtain indicative pricing information and identify the key factors that influence service cost. - Better understand the resources, technologies and organisational commitments required to successfully implement and operate a future service. - Use supplier feedback to refine requirements, inform budget planning and determine the most appropriate route to market and procurement approach. Bournemouth University invites interested organisations to review the PME documentation and submit a written response. Suppliers are encouraged to provide detailed feedback, market insight and indicative pricing information to assist the University in understanding available options and the likely costs associated with a future Security Operations Centre service. Responses should be submitted in accordance with the instructions contained within the PME documentation and emailed to [email protected] by the published deadline. Please note that this PME is an information-gathering exercise only. It is not a request for quotation, invitation to tender or other competitive procurement process. The information obtained through this exercise will be used solely to help inform the University's future requirements, budget considerations and procurement strategy. There is no obligation for suppliers to respond to this PME. Supplier responses (or lack of responses) will not be used to determine participation in, or evaluation of, any future procurement exercise. Participation in this PME will not provide any supplier with an advantage or guarantee inclusion in any subsequent tender process. The University's current intention is that any future procurement opportunity arising from this requirement will be advertised separately at a later date.