The Japan Racing Association (JRA) has formally invited companies to express interest in an upcoming research project focused on rebuilding its JRA Big Data System (JBDS) on Google Cloud.
As the organization looks to optimize operating expenditures and enhance system capacity for future expansion, the scheduled study will run from November 16, 2026, to April 30, 2027. Companies wishing to participate must submit their expressions of interest by noon on November 12, 2026.
The project will introduce significant structural changes to the authority’s existing database architecture. Rather than maintaining a sprawling infrastructure, the association is seeking a streamlined system centered around its most frequently used functions. This proposed adjustment aims to minimize the resources required for daily operation while retaining the flexibility to scale as future organizational requirements evolve.
Technical mandates and integration requirements
The research scope covers the configuration and migration of the JBDS environment to the Google Cloud platform. Prospective applicants must possess specialized technical knowledge to assess environmental changes and understand how the database connects with other critical JRA infrastructure, including the Totalisator System supporting betting operations and the central Information System. Furthermore, the JRA requires partners capable of swiftly responding to system anomalies, diagnosing root causes, and evaluating potential downstream impacts on connected services.
Experience in developing core systems for professional horse racing operations is mandatory. Applicants must present a proven track record of working on racing technology, covering live events and betting services. Additionally, participating vendors must hold requisite government or JRA procurement qualifications for information processing and software development, demonstrate uninterrupted delivery capabilities, and remain free from procurement suspensions imposed by the JRA or the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.
Procurement process and competitive bidding
The public notice forms part of the JRA’s formal procurement workflow. While the association has indicated its intention to contract with a specific company, it is inviting other qualified enterprises to register interest. Should alternative eligible companies come forward, the procurement will transition into a competitive bidding process utilizing a comprehensive evaluation method.
Application documents and inquiry channels are managed by the JRA Legal Department, with the submission window closing at noon on November 12, 2026. All documentation must be prepared in Japanese, with proceedings conducted in Japanese yen, and applicants bear all preparation expenses independently. Ultimately, the research findings will dictate how the JRA configures the JBDS on Google Cloud, successfully lowering running costs while safeguarding future racing and betting capabilities.
