Planning

Online Learning at Sussex

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX(THE)

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

02 Oct 2025 at 12:48

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

23 May 2025 at 13:02

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Sussex, located in Falmer, Brighton, is currently in the planning stage for a tender concerning Online Programme Management (OPM) Services. The tender, titled "Online Learning at Sussex," falls under the services industry category, with a focus on administrative educational services. The contract aims to enhance the university's online learning services both nationally and internationally, following the expiration of the current contract on 5 October 2027 and the commencement of the new contract on 6 October 2027. A key market engagement process is underway, with interested parties required to complete an online questionnaire by 23 October 2025. The engagement period will continue until the end of December 2025. Future procurement notices are expected by 31 March 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in online learning platforms, educational marketing, course development, and student support services. It is an excellent opportunity for companies with expertise in these areas to align themselves with a prestigious institution like the University of Sussex. Businesses that can offer innovative approaches to flexible, modular online learning solutions will be well-positioned to compete. Engaging in the market research during this planning phase can provide valuable insights and potential advantages in shaping the eventual procurement strategy, contributing to the university's strategic aims and enhancing its global reputation.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Online Learning at Sussex

Notice Description

The University of Sussex (Sussex) is preparing to seek a partner for the provision of Online Programme Management (OPM) Services, with the current contract set to expire on 5 October 2027 and the new contract commencing on 6 October 2027. Under the existing arrangement, Sussex has collaborated with a partner to deliver a portfolio of Masters-level degree courses accessible to students both nationally and internationally via online distance learning. The current contract encompasses a range of services across three core areas. * Marketing and Recruitment: Market Research and Strategy, Lead Generation, Inquiry Management, Admissions Support, Application Processing, Reporting and Analysis. * Course Development and Delivery Model: Course Design and Development, Content Creation, Platform Integration, Technical Support, Continuous Improvement, Compliance and Reporting. * Student Support: Induction and Orientation, Ongoing Support, Monitoring and Communication, Reporting. As the end of the current collaboration approaches, Sussex is actively reviewing its strategy for online learning. The University's strategic aims are to establish a sustainable, high-quality online provision aligned with the University's strategic priorities, enhancing our institutional reputation globally. The provision will be future-ready in terms of modularity, flexibility, and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Further details regarding this engagement are available in the Instruction Document, which can be accessed via the e-sourcing portal, Proactis: https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/account/login While participation in this engagement is not mandatory for involvement in any future procurement process, responses received will help inform the Contracting Authority about the level of market interest. Additionally, feedback from this engagement may help shape the final service requirements and inform the design of the forthcoming procurement strategy, ensuring it reflects both institutional priorities and sector best practice.

Planning Information

The purpose of this engagement is for Sussex to gauge potential interest and obtain information from the market which will help inform and shape its service requirements. Further details regarding this engagement are available in the Instruction Document, which can be accessed via the e-sourcing portal, Proactis: https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/account/login Should you experience any difficulties registering or accessing the portal, please contact the Proactis helpdesk using the link below: https://suppliersupport.proactisservicedesk.com The initial stage of the engagement asks interested parties to complete an online questionnaire on or before 23 October 2025 at 10.00am. Please note the engagement period end date has been set as end of December 2025 to allow for the possibility of the further engagement which will be coordinated through the e-sourcing portal, Proactis.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0522d3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/061725-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

75 - Administration, defence and social security services

CPV Codes

75121000 - Administrative educational services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Mar 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
5 Oct 2027 - 5 Oct 2037 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX(THE)
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
suppliers@sussex.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
FALMER, BRIGHTON
Postcode
BN1 9RH
Post Town
Brighton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ21 Brighton and Hove
Delivery Location
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex
Local Authority
Brighton and Hove
Electoral Ward
Coldean & Stanmer
Westminster Constituency
Brighton Pavilion

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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