Award

Library Discovery Platform - AWARD

UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

07 May 2026 at 14:57

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Hertfordshire has completed the award stage for a call-off contract concerning the implementation of a Library Discovery Platform, under the APUC framework's Lot1. This selective procurement used a restricted procedure method to appoint EBSCO International Inc. as the supplier for the contract, which will span from 1st May 2026 to 30th April 2030. The procurement focuses on software package and information systems, with the new platform to be operational by September 2026. The procurement primarily targets the United Kingdom and extends to British Oversea Territories, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and Europe.

This contract represents a notable opportunity for businesses specialising in sophisticated digital solutions, especially those with expertise in educational and library software platforms. The requirement for an integrated search tool combining library catalogues, e-resources, and open access content aligns well with the offerings of software developers experienced in creating user-centric information systems. Although the initial award is complete, the nature of the contract setup indicates potential for future engagement based on performance extensions offering further business growth prospects for successful technology providers.

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Notice Title

Library Discovery Platform - AWARD

Notice Description

The University of Hertfordshire ("The University") is looking to award a call off contract for the implementation and provision of a Library Discover Platform under APUC framework 'Library Services Platform(s) and Associated Services: Lot1, Library Services Platform(s)' (reference ITS1062AP). It is intended that the contract will run for an initial period of two years with the option to extend by a further two years in one-year increments (i.e. 2+1+1) with approval by both parties, subject to satisfactory performance. The University requires a library discovery platform to provide users with a centralized, user-friendly interface to search for and access library resources. The platform will combine various sources like the library catalogue, e-resources, institutional repositories, and open access content into a single search experience. The system implementation must be completed with platform ready for go live by start of 26/27 Academic year in September 2026. Included within this tender pack are the Invitation to Tender document (ITT) and Appendices. Full instructions on submission requirements are included in the ITT. Please ensure that you have submitted/uploaded your documents in plenty of time of the closing date as the portal will close at exactly 12 noon and we will not be able to accept any documents submitted after that time. Any questions or queries, please get in touch via the In-Tend correspondence feature.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-9454960a-14cb-4ef0-b245-317adf845dbf
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/b66a4149-0edc-463b-89f4-9e2c0795b247
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Restricted procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 May 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
22 Dec 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
19 Apr 20263 weeks ago
Contract Period
30 Apr 2026 - 30 Apr 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
UNIVERSITY OF HERTFORDSHIRE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
HERTFORDSHIRE
Postcode
AL10 9AB
Post Town
St Albans
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH26 North and East Hertfordshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Welwyn Hatfield
Electoral Ward
Hatfield South West
Westminster Constituency
Welwyn Hatfield

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

EBSCO INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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