Invitation to Tender - Test & Measurement Solutions compliant with O-RAN Alliance

Descriptions

The Smart RAN Open Network Interoperability Centre Laboratories (SONIC Labs) is a joint programme between Digital Catapult and Ofcom. The programme creates a range of platforms for existing and emerging mobile network equipment suppliers to test the interoperability and End-to-End (E2E) integration of open and software-centric networking solutions, starting with 5G Open RAN technology. Launched in February 2022, the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) funded SONIC Labs facility is deployed across four sites, indoor and outdoor. SONIC Labs aims to enable new suppliers to participate in the UK telecom ecosystem, build a path towards operational UK environments and accelerate innovation in UK networks. Additionally, SONIC Labs provides a neutral testing ground for long-term advanced technologies, expanding to other use cases and non-RAN technologies. (https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/expertise/programmes/programme/sonic/). Within the SONIC Labs programme, our objective is to support the development of working end to end Open RAN systems and help products mature through earlier end-to-end integration and interoperability testing of fully formed Open RAN systems. To achieve this objective, we are continually developing our technical capabilities in the Open RAN Test and Measurement domain to conduct extensive testing and performance evaluation and validation for the future Open RAN systems. Requirements Overview This opportunity specifically relates to the design, supply, implementation and support of solution(s) that can perform conformance tests and measurements for the certification of Open RAN radio units as defined by the O-RAN Alliance. The purpose of O-RAN certification is to verify that a vendor product is compliant to a related set of O-RAN defined interfaces and reference design specifications, through a set of O-RAN Alliance defined conformance tests using unified test procedures and templates for sharing of results. Our requirement is for a comprehensive range of test equipment used in the development, certification, and conformance testing of Open RAN (O-RAN) network components, specifically O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs). Open Radio Access Network (O-RAN) technology enables interoperability between network elements and fosters a vendor-agnostic ecosystem in the deployment of 5G networks. O-RAN test equipment is essential to ensure these systems function as intended, enabling efficient and reliable testing of individual network components such as O-RAN Radio Units (O-RUs). Test equipment requirements range from conformance testing and protocol testing to performance benchmarking and fault diagnosis. Digital Catapult is seeking to engage with vendors supplying O-RAN testing and measuring equipment with the capability to design complex scenarios, supply, Install, configure and integrate a compliant solution. The Bidder(s) shall provide services to build, implement, integrate and test the entire system including the certification of the first O-RU network component. In addition, we require services for training, calibration, ongoing support and maintenance (two-year period following acceptance). Procurement Process Overview Digital Catapult is undertaking a procurement process, via the Open Procedure. Digital Catapult have made available all the procurement documentation necessary for Bidders to respond to this opportunity. Bidders are required to provide Digital Catapult with the Unique Identifier that has been allocated to them by the Central Digital Platform (CDP) by registering on the CDP and completing the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Bidders must ‘pass’ the Conditions of Participation requirements stated in the PSQ before Digital Catapult evaluates the Bidders Invitation to Tender (ITT) Response. Bidders must submit their completed PSQ alongside their completed ITT Response which must be submitted no later than 12 noon on 2 June 2025. Upon receipt of the ITT Responses, Digital Catapult will complete a compliance review and commence the assessment and moderation of the bids to identify the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT). Digital Catapult reserves the right to invite any or all Bidders to attend clarification meetings to clarify the configuration of their O-RU Conformance Test platform for a set of supported test cases with an O-RU Device under test of their choice in order to assure the requirements listed in the Requirements Compliance Matrix. Digital Catapult will complete the necessary internal Governance/Approvals, with Assessment Summaries issued to Bidders. Digital Catapult will publish the Contract Award Notice, which triggers the mandatory 8 working day standstill period.