Information systems and servers

Tender description

UCL is seeking repository solution providers/integrators to develop a robust central research data repository solution. UCL requires a centrally-administered Research Data Repository solution into which UCL researchers can deposit non-sensitive research data, along with descriptive metadata, in order to enable the storage, curation, discovery of, and access to, that data over long time periods (10 years+). UCL anticipates that it will store the underlying research data on UCL hardware. In the future data storage may be outsourced to a 3rd-party offering tiered storage, potentially via JISC. In addition to UCL staff, honorary staff at other institutions or non-UCL staff may wish to deposit data if they are working on a project with a UCL Principal Investigator. The discovery and download interface should be publicly accessible, although access to some datasets may be restricted. UCL currently has a Research Data Storage solution which stores data for active research projects, but lacks an effective mechanism for data preservation, discovery, and access beyond the length of the research project. It is intended that the research data repository solution will be integrated with the existing Research Data Storage Solution and with UCL network infrastructure. UCL would like to work with repository solution providers/integrators to develop a robust central research data repository solution that will meet UCL's requirement outlined in the tender. UCL requires a centrally-administered Research Data Repository solution into which UCL researchers can deposit non-sensitive research data, along with descriptive metadata, in order to enable the storage, curation, discovery of, and access to, that data over long time periods (10 years+). UCL anticipates that it will store the underlying research data held in the repository on UCL hardware, although it is open to alternative suggestions. In the future it is anticipated that data storage may be outsourced to a 3rd-party service provider offering tiered storage, potentially via an arrangement with JISC. It is not envisaged that this will be for the next couple of years though. In addition to UCL staff, honorary staff at other institutions or non-UCL staff may wish to deposit data if they are working on a project with a UCL Principal Investigator. The discovery and download interface should be publicly accessible, although access to some datasets may be restricted.