Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2021-01-27
Buyer: Het Waterschapshuis
Country: NL
Contract type: Services
CPV classification: 72000000 | 72300000

Technical requirements: Υπηρεσίες τεχνολογίας των πληροφοριών: παροχή συμβουλών, ανάπτυξη λογισμικού, Διαδίκτυο και υποστήριξη
HWh is looking for a long term strategic partnership for cloud technology and its related products and services (such as AI, ML and Big Data, Data lake and Data virtualization/integration) as the trends suggest that many applications and solutions needed to better manage water, water treatment and water systems will be stored and used in a cloud environment. hWh intends to initiate innovation procurement projects together with this strategic partner related to new applications in AI, machine learning, Big Data, Data lake and Data virtualization/integration, etc. in order to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of its public tasks. hWh also foresees the transition of its current on premise database technologies, workplace technologies and process automation related technologies to a cloud platform.
The info on the OMC can be found under: https://www.tenderned.nl/tenderned-tap/aankondigingen/217585;section=2
1) Achieve innovative results based on a public business/value case approach that leads to a win-win situation for both hWh and the strategic partner, as well as the indirect beneficiaries of the cooperation (the Dutch waterboards). The underlying rationale is that as a result of the strategic partnership the efficiency and effectiveness of the public tasks (public business case) of the waterboards (hWh) can be improved in a robust and structural manner, and as such can be measured and monitored;
2) Turn the Netherlands into a worldwide reference site for water on topics related to societal impact, sustainability and innovation. The road to innovation will start by mapping the ‘Water’ applications in order to discover the process and applications which could support innovation. Scenarios will be prioritized based on mutual agreement of both parties and speed of impact (i.e. quick wins).
• a firm and long-lasting commitment from the partner to invest on R&D in the platform's technology to ensure continuity and market adaptation;
• compliance with critical infrastructure security requirements (E.g. Security Certificates in PS/Gov/Vital Infra);
• policies enabling complementary products and services (SaaS service providers) related to Cloud technology platform and related products and services (such as AI, ML, Big Data, Data lake and Data virtualization/integration);
• experience on hybrid solutions, on co-funding projects and on fresh water supply and consumption management. Strategic industry reference cases are highly valued.
For hWh — and to ensure the continuity of the service offered — it is extremely important to understand if the technology vendor has previous IPR and invests in their protection. As the envisaged partnership is intended for long term, interoperability of the solution and migration possibilities are also relevant subjects of this OMC. hWh sees the solution provider as a partner and is therefore interested in exploring cofounding opportunities and the possibility to make use of corporate Venture Capital (VC).
Risk monitoring and risk mitigating measures are essential aspects of the solution to be provided due to the strategic position of hWh. A set on questions on this basis, including potential standards, is included in the document. hWh is looking for a solution that is sustainable in the long term. Not just in monetary terms, but also in environmental terms. hWh would like to know from you if you can suggest standards on sustainable management. Lastly, price schemes are also a relevant element for the upcoming procurement.
The goal of the questions in this open market consultation is to gather the necessary information to prepare an upcoming procedure to select the best partner to work with for the coming 5 to 15 years.
Please fill the questionnaire in the following link: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/HWHCLOUD2021
The OMC starts on the date of its publication in the EU’s Official Journal (TED) and ends on 5 March 2021, unless terminated earlier. The market consultation is organised in the form of an online meeting and an online questionnaire. The meeting will take place on 5 February 2021. Interested parties can register for participation via https://corvers.webinargeek.com/het-waterschapshuis-strategic-partnership-for-cloud-technology by 2 February 2021.
All interested operators are invited to take part in this OMC, regardless of their geographical location, size or governance structure. Participation in the OMC is voluntary and non-binding and, moreover, is done for own account and risk. A market party cannot charge any costs to the procurers for participation in the OMC or for (re)-use of its information in the context of a future procurement procedure.