The BBC has published an invitation to tender for the production of long-running drama Silent Witness.

The contract on offer is for two series of ten episodes each with the option to extend the contract for a further two years.

The contract is offered on a work for hire basis with the BBC keeping the IP. The licence fee available for each series will be £10.8m and delivery of the first episodes would be due by the end of 2028.

The tender is open to all producers who have or intend to establish a substantive base in the West Midlands. The programme must qualify as a regional production in the Midlands and East of England on all three of the Ofcom Regional criteria.

A plan to develop writers, directors and other off-screen roles on the show has to be submitted as part of the proposal and will form a “core part” of the award criteria

The deadline for initial submissions is 25 September at 2pm.