The Post Office (PO) has put out a tender for the replacement of its failed Horizon IT system, with the new contract expected to start on 15 August 2024.

Details of the tender were posted on 8 April, with the winning bidder awarded £75m to develop the new system. PO said: “Post Office is in the process of replacing its existing EPOS system, known as Horizon.

“Post Office is building the new system in house as part of its Strategic Platform Modernisation Programme. Whilst Post Office is responsible for overall programme management, strategy and architecture it has a requirement to engage with third parties to help create the necessary solution.

“The current framework for certain lots will be exhausted during 2024 and a new provision for development and programme related services needs to be established.

“This procurement therefore is designed to identify and appoint suitable partners to a small panel of providers of such services.”

Applicants will be required to sign non-disclosure agreements, with the PO setting a deadline of 3 May for submissions.

Hundreds of subpostmasters were notably falsely accused of accounting fraud due to glitches in the Horizon system. Many were sentenced to prison, while others had taken their own lives.

Read more Post Office Horizon IT scandal news