DoF DSS - Northern Ireland Digital Public Networking Infrastructure (NIDPNI) - Preliminary Market Engagement

***PRELIMINARY MARKET ENGAGEMENT EXERCISE*** The Department of Finance's Digital Shared Services (DSS) is currently preparing to initiate a procurement process to establish a contract with a Supplier to replace the current NI Public Sector Shared Network (NIPSSN) contract (ID 868122). Given the potential scale and scope of the requirement, this represents a significant opportunity for Suppliers.

Prior to commencing the procurement process, the Department wishes to engage with the market to: - establish the level of market interest in the requirement; - assist in defining and developing the requirements; - better understand the feasibility of the project and potential delivery approaches; - assess market capacity and capability to deliver the requirement; - identify potential risks; - identify opportunities to minimise procurement timescales; - help ensure that any proposed requirements are achievable before proceeding to tender; - gain insight into current market capabilities and potential innovative solutions; and - inform the Procurement Strategy. Suitably qualified and experienced Suppliers with an interest in the requirement are invited to register their interest.

Stage 1 - Initial engagement meetings As the first stage of the PME, DoF anticipates holding initial engagement meetings with potential Suppliers on 16 and 23 November 2026, either in person at Craigantlet Buildings, Stormont, Belfast or online using Microsoft Teams. A hybrid format will be considered only in exceptional circumstances.

Interested Suppliers should use the messaging function on eTendersNI to confirm their interest in this requirement and willingness to participate in an initial engagement meeting by 1pm on 11 November 2026. DoF may limit the number of direct engagement meetings where demand exceeds available capacity.

Please refer to the PME Initial Engagement document for further information. Stage 2 - PME questionnaire Following the initial engagement meetings, DoF anticipates making the PME questionnaire available to interested Suppliers in January 2027 through the documents area of the CfT on eTendersNI.

Detailed or lengthy responses to the questionnaire will not be required; however respondents shoud provide sufficient evidence to support their views where appropriate. Stage 3 - Follow-up meetings Following receipt of completed questionnaires, DoF may seek clarification or further information from respondents through virtual or face-to-face follow-up meetings.

Participation in this PME exercise does not constitute, and will not result in, any contractual agreement between a respondent and DoF, nor does participation confer any advantage in any subsequent procurement process. Interested parties shall bear their own costs of participating in the PME exercise.

DoF shall not be liable for any costs, expenses or losses arising from participation, including, without limitation, any loss of profit or other economic loss, irrespective of the outcome of the PME. The next stage of the process will be considered following completion of the PME exercise.