Flinders Research Data Storage

⁠⁠⁠INTRODUCTION

Flinders University is seeking proposals from suitably qualified vendors for the supply, implementation, and support of an Unstructured Research Data Storage solution as part of the University 2026 Research Refresh Program. This tender aims to identify a contemporary, scalable, secure, and cost-effective platform that will replace and expand the University existing research data storage environment and meet the evolving needs of our academic, research, and operational communities.

BACKGROUND

The University's current unstructured research data storage environment commonly referred to as the R Drive has served as the primary storage repository supporting a wide range of research disciplines and data intensive activities. Over time, increased volumes of user data, shifts in research methodology, growth in high throughput instrumentation, and greater demands for security, interoperability, and auditability have placed significant pressure on the existing infrastructure. The current platform no longer provides the scalability, resilience, or operational efficiency required to support the University forward research agenda.

This refresh is a strategic investment in the University research infrastructure, ensuring that researchers have access to a modern, performant, and secure platform capable of supporting advanced workflows, large data sets, and long-term storage requirements.

Vendors responding to this tender are expected to deliver a comprehensive proposal outlining their solution architecture, deployment methodology, licensing model, support arrangements, training recommendations, and detailed compliance with all technical and operational requirements provided.

MARKET APPROACH AND TIMELINE

Resellers for the University Research Data Storage refresh are invited to express their interest in this market exercise no later than 2:00pm 10/04/2026.