Planning

Travel Management Provision

UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

31 Jul 2025 at 15:00

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Plymouth, a sub-central government public authority, is in the planning stage of a procurement process for its Travel Management provision, aimed at enhancing travel solutions for students and staff. This procurement, under a tender initiation, focuses on the services industry category, specifically travel management services, with a provisional budget of £6,500,000 to £7,800,000. The contract period is set to commence on 1st February 2026 and conclude on 31st January 2029, with a possibility of extension up to 2031. Located in Plymouth, Devon, this procurement process is aligned with UK legislative requirements and includes provisions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to compete. Interested parties are invited to engage in preliminary market engagements by 11th August 2025, and further information will be provided through a future notice on 1st September 2025.

For businesses specialising in travel management services, this tender offers valuable growth opportunities, particularly if they can demonstrate innovative solutions that enhance value and efficiency. SMEs, in particular, are encouraged to participate, as the procurement structure supports their involvement. Companies with capabilities in managing both business and group travel will find this opportunity well-suited to their offerings. Engaging in the current market consultations offers businesses a chance to influence the tender's design, potentially crafting a fit-for-purpose solution that meets the evolving needs of the University of Plymouth.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Travel Management Provision

Notice Description

The University intends to procure a Travel Management provision; this will be done under a 3-year contract with an optional extension of 2 years (1+1). We expect to have 3 lots for this procurement, as listed below; Lot 1 - Business Travel Lot 2 - Group Travel (10+, conferences, research, field trips) Lot 3 - 1 & 2 combined We reserve the right to amend the published timelines of this procurement to suit the needs of the requirement.

Planning Information

The objective of this engagement is to find the best solution for our Travel Management provision realising the best value and experience for our students and staff. We are seeking to consult with providers to ensure that we release an intelligent tender that is fit for purpose in the current and future market. We would like to understand any insights, cost models and delivery models that can give the best outcome. The market engagement for group travel has already been carried out under PCR 2015. We are now looking for engagement from the market for Business Travel or both opportunities combined. Information provided will be used inform our requirements and the structure of our tender. Engagement will be either 1. 30-minute virtual interview and/or 2. Questionnaire completion To register interest in this opportunity please email procurement@plymouth.ac.uk.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-056a80
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044875-2025
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
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

CPV Codes

63516000 - Travel management services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£6,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 31 Jan 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH
Contact Name
Stephanie Hurrell
Contact Email
stephanie.hurrell@plymouth.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1752582057

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH, DEVON
Postcode
PL4 8AA
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Drake
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport

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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