This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

03 Jun 2026 at 08:02

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the provision of debt collection services, identified by the title "OUPA11602," was managed by The Open University. This tender falls under the industry category of "Collection agency services" and pertains to activities within the United Kingdom. The contract aims to secure a debt collection/legal agent to recover unpaid debts from students and corporate or commercial firms. The process progressed to the award stage, with the contract awarded on 30th April 2026. The procurement method was selective, utilising a call-off from a framework agreement. The contract is valued at GBP 166,000 and spans from 17th July 2026 to 16th July 2030.

Businesses specialising in collection agency services, particularly those familiar with FCA regulations, will find this opportunity viable for expansion and growth. Small and medium-sized enterprises, like STA International Limited, which was awarded the contract, are well-suited to compete in this space, given their ability to offer specialised services to academic institutions and commercial firms. The contract provides a significant opportunity for firms capable of managing complex debt recovery processes, offering legal advice, and undertaking legal actions when necessary.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

OUPA11602

Notice Description

Provision of a debt collection/legal agent to recover unpaid debt from Students and Corporate/Commercial firms when the OU has exhausted all internal process and procedures. The activity will include communicating with students and firms, liaising with staff at the OU, legal advice and taking legal action on behalf of the OU. All activity must be undertaken within FCA regulations.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-481a1357-daea-4f63-8fe2-4e1396a6c5fe
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3a599369-4ffe-408d-90da-9e249f17bbfa
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a framework agreement
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79940000 - Collection agency services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£166,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£166,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Jun 20263 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
27 Mar 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Apr 20261 months ago
Contract Period
16 Jul 2026 - 16 Jul 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
OPEN UNIVERSITY(THE)
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MILTON KEYNES
Postcode
MK7 6AA
Post Town
Milton Keynes
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Milton Keynes
Electoral Ward
Monkston
Westminster Constituency
Milton Keynes Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

STA INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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