Working Age Services Project Zora - Application Decomposition & Microservices Transition

Tender description

Summary of the work: Project Zora will progressively decompose elements of the Universal Credit application into more modular, loosely coupled components aligned to a modern, microservices‑based architecture. This includes re‑architecting systems and supporting capabilities to reduce interdependencies, improve deployment flexibility, and enable faster, safer change while maintaining continuity of service. Pricing model: Capped time and materials Pricing model: Fixed price Confirm if you require a contracted out service or supply of resource: Supply of resource: the off-payroll rules may apply Latest start date: 2026-11-01 Expected contract length: 3-00-00 Expected contract structure: 2 year initial term with 1 option extension period for up to 1 year. Estimated contract value (excl VAT): 34500000 Why the work is being done: The programme will progressively decompose elements of the Universal Credit application into more modular, loosely coupled components aligned to a modern, microservices‑based architecture. This includes re‑architecting systems and supporting capabilities to reduce interdependencies, improve deployment flexibility, and enable faster, safer change while maintaining continuity of service. Through this transformation, Project Zora aims to establish reusable platform and service capabilities that can be iterated over time and support wider Working Age Services objectives. Delivery is expected to require specialist digital, engineering and delivery expertise across analysis, design, build and transition activity, with a clear focus on managing operational risk, supporting user‑centred outcomes and delivering long‑term value for money. Problem to be solved: Decompose elements of the Universal Credit application into more modular, loosely coupled components aligned to a modern, microservices‑based architecture. This includes re‑architecting systems and supporting capabilities to reduce interdependencies, improve deployment flexibility, and enable faster, safer change while maintaining continuity of service. Building enablers to support this and scaling new services. Who the users are and what they need to do: Approximately 40,000 agents using the service with a customer base of approximately 8m citizens Work done so far: Work has started building out key enablers and extraction of some services. For more information please see Statement of Requirements. Existing team: There is a combination of internal DWP and Supplier resource working as rainbow team. Incumbent supplier: Yes Provide further information: Deloitte LLP Working arrangements: Supplier will provide access to teams of one (1) or more digital specialists who will provide resource based services under clearly defined pieces of work. The work will be hybrid in line with latest DWP policy or as agreed on a per statement of work basis. The working arrangements for a particular project will be specified in each Statement of Work. Security clearance: Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) Security clearance: Security Check (SC) Questions and Clarifications 1. Some suppliers have reported difficulty accessing the published clarifications via the portal. We understand this issue has now been resolved. All suppliers should continue to access and monitor clarifications in the usual manner. Last Updated: 23 July 2026, 12:51 2. We are an SME in the UK, and we are looking to bid as an SME supplier for a PRIME supplier. Can we also bid as a PRIME ourselves, or do we have to choose only one option? An SME can potentially bid as a Prime itself and also be named as a subcontractor in another Prime’s bid, but this may be subject to further enquiry by the Authority. The supplier must ensure this does not create a conflict of interest, capacity issue, or distortion of competition, and the Authority may require amendment or withdrawal if concerns arise. Last Updated: 23 July 2026, 12:20 3. To enable us to provide a suitable example for the first question, could you please share details of the architecture / tech stack for the monolithic UC service that is being decomposed? The tech stack has been provided in the document set: Attachment 3 - Statement of Requirements - Project Zora - Annex A. Last Updated: 23 July 2026, 12:16 4. From previous communications, we understand that DWP created a long-list of suppliers and issued them with an RFI, with suppliers that didn't receive the RFI not being permitted to take part in the competition. Could you please clarify if only those long-listed suppliers are expected to respond to this event and how a supplier can confirm if they are on the long-list? The Authority ran the applicable framework supplier filters prior to issuing the ITT to ensure the most up to date supplier list was captured. If your organisation has received an Invitation to Tender, the Authority is inviting you to participate in this procurement and submit a tender response. Last Updated: 22 July 2026, 10:42