Award

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment

BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

26 Jun 2025 at 19:55

Award

04 Jun 2025 at 20:06

Award

04 Jun 2025 at 19:56

Summary of the contracting process

Buckinghamshire New University, a sub-central public authority located in High Wycombe, United Kingdom, has awarded a contract to Blackboard International B.V. for the renewal of its Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This direct award contract, ensuring the continuity of services critical to both staff and students, is valued at £1,396,920.40 gross, and £1,164,100.33 net in GBP. The procurement process utilised a direct procurement method, and the contract period is from 1st July 2025 to 30th April 2031. The award, primarily categorised under services, includes the provision of educational software and software-related services, with the contract signed on 18th June 2025. The rationale for the direct award highlights the significant integration of Blackboard services into the University's operations since 2012, which makes a replacement impractical and costly.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for large-scale businesses specialising in educational software and related services, as it underscores the growing demand for digital learning platforms. Organisations capable of offering scalable and innovative software solutions could find a niche in this market, particularly if they can demonstrate a track record of reliable service and an ability to integrate with existing infrastructure. Although the current contract is with a large supplier, the dynamics of the digital education sector offer potential for competition, especially for those able to present technologically advanced alternatives or complementary services that enhance the learning experience for institutions relying on virtual learning environments. Smaller enterprises may also find junctions for collaboration, especially in providing niche consultancy or integration services.

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Notice Title

Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment

Notice Description

Buckinghamshire New University ("University") has been using the Blackboard Virtual Leaning Environment ("VLE") since 2012, with the technology now profoundly integrated across the University's students and staff teaching and learning activities. This renewal will ensure continuity of services, access to support and updates, and the ability to scale and optimise usage based on future requirements. Given the University's long-standing investment in and integration with Blackboard VLE, renewing the Blackboard subscription is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

Procurement Information

Buckinghamshire New University ("University") has been using the Blackboard Virtual Leaning Environment ("VLE") since 2012, with the technology now profoundly integrated across the University's students and staff teaching and learning activities. This renewal will ensure continuity of services, access to support and updates, and the ability to scale and optimise usage based on future requirements. Given the University's long-standing investment in and integration with Blackboard VLE, renewing the Blackboard subscription is crucial to maintaining operational efficiency and supporting ongoing digital transformation initiatives.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-054328
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/035562-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

48190000 - Educational software package

72260000 - Software-related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,164,100 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£1,164,100 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
3 Jun 20258 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2025 - 30 Apr 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BUCKINGHAMSHIRE NEW UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Veronica Fatemi
Contact Email
finance.procurement@bucks.ac.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
HIGH WYCOMBE
Postcode
HP11 2JZ
Post Town
Hemel Hempstead
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ13 Buckinghamshire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Buckinghamshire
Electoral Ward
Abbey
Westminster Constituency
Wycombe

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BLACKBOARD INTERNATIONAL

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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