This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

04 Aug 2026 at 15:39

Summary of the contracting process

Durham County Council has completed a procurement process to renew and upgrade its Microsoft Licensing packages under the title "Renewal of Durham County Council's Microsoft Agreement via NHSSBS DWS2". This procurement uses the North East, United Kingdom as its location and falls within the industry category of license management software packages (CPV: 48218000). The process was carried out through a direct award utilising the NHS SBS DWS2 framework agreement, specifically using a selective procurement method. Key dates include the start of the contract period on 1st June 2026, ending on 31st May 2029, with the award status marked as active as of 11th May 2026. The procurement stage is noted as award, with the process officially concluding by 30th April 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in software licensing and management, particularly those with existing framework agreements or those able to align with public sector standards. Given the contract's substantial value of £8,611,161.33, this opportunity could lead to meaningful growth for large-scale enterprises or SMEs able to integrate or supply similar products and services. However, it mainly suits larger businesses like Softcat Plc, the incumbent supplier, due to its direct award nature which effectively limits competitive participation. Nevertheless, similar future opportunities could benefit SMEs meeting the eligibility criteria in public sector procurement frameworks.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Renewal of Durham County Council's Microsoft Agreement via NHSSBS DWS2

Notice Description

Durham County Council have a requirement to renew and upgrade current Microsoft Licensing packages for a variety of products including the move from E3 to E5. There is an existing contract in place and therefore, the incumbent supplier has been approached to update the agreement, via direct award utilising the NHS SBS DWS2 framework agreement.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-e3cb5f58-76d7-48b0-a7f4-c876caa4602d
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/3394fca2-ab29-4eeb-9e9e-3feb35b8d963
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48218000 - License management software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£8,611,161 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
4 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
30 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 May 20262 months ago
Contract Period
31 May 2026 - 31 May 2029 3-4 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
DURHAM COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DURHAM
Postcode
DH1 5UQ
Post Town
Durham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC41 Durham
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)

Local Authority
County Durham
Electoral Ward
Neville's Cross
Westminster Constituency
City of Durham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SOFTCAT

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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