The ESRC's Micro Safe Setting Network (MSSN) is a new service that will provide support and help facilitate safe remote access to sensitive data held by data centres across the UK, such as those provided by the Administrative Data Research Network.
The MSSN will comprise of:
— A network of micro safe settings (known as SafePods) based within higher education institutions and other organisations across the UK.
— A dedicated website to provide information about the MSSN and for researchers to book SafePods.
— A CCTV service to enable SafePod owners and data controllers to view and monitor activity within a Safepod.
— A dedicated User Support Service to assist stakeholders with MSSN enquiries.
— An Advisory Board to plan and make decisions on the long term objectives of the MSSN.
SafePods will form the basis of the network and will provide researchers with dedicated space from which they can remotely view sensitive data for research purposes. SafePods will be able to connect to services as agreed by the network and could potentially be used for other local confidential or sensitive work.
The University of St Andrews is seeking a contractor for a Framework Agreement for the Design, Manufacture, Installation, Service and Warranty of Modular Safepods.
This is intended to be in the form of a series of work packages to cover:
— The development and manufacture of a prototype SafePod on manufacturer site in the line with the performance specification detailed in the tender.
— Thereafter refinement of the prototype as required by the University of St Andrews. Delivery of the SafePod to a location within the UK determined by the University of St Andrews.
— Thereafter the manufacture of 20 (anticipated number)of SafePods to the refined specification of the completed prototype to create a SafePod pilot network across the UK. — The manufacture of a further 60-80 (estimated) SafePods (with possible refinement) to create a full SafePod network across the UK (subject to funding).