Planning

SMS Messaging Framework Pre Market Engagement

JISC

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Oct 2025 at 15:40

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process initiated by Jisc, a public authority in the sub-central government sector, is currently in the planning stage for the "SMS Messaging Framework Pre Market Engagement" tender. Situated in Bristol, United Kingdom, Jisc is seeking to assess suppliers’ capabilities for a project targeted at enhancing communication methods across the research and education sector. The notice was published on 29th October 2025, with a market engagement deadline scheduled for 28th November 2025. This initiative falls under the services category, specifically focusing on "Short Message Service (SMS) services," and is intended to cater to the evolving technological landscape by integrating modern messaging platforms such as Microsoft Teams and WhatsApp alongside traditional SMS. The framework is set to commence in May 2026 and conclude in April 2030.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), as the framework encourages participation from diverse entities capable of providing technologically advanced and robust messaging services. Given the emphasis on integrating SMS with emerging communication tools via a phased omnichannel roadmap, businesses experienced in digital communications and IT infrastructure management are likely to find this tender highly suitable. Participants will be key in shaping a forward-looking communication framework that supports the operational needs of educational and research institutions across the UK, offering potential long-term partnerships and industry recognition.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

SMS Messaging Framework Pre Market Engagement

Notice Description

JSL is publishing this Pre Market Engagement to; -Gain a better understanding of suppliers' capabilities, experiences, innovations and challenges. -Inform suppliers about the project's scope. In response to the requirements of the Janet community, JSL first procured a Short Messaging Service, Janet txt, in April 2007. The service was subsequently re-procured in 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 for respective 4-year terms. The current framework agreement is due to expire in April 2026. This will continue to be a Jisc branded service but fully managed by the supplier. The supplier will be responsible for providing, operating, and maintaining the platform and infrastructure upon which the service operates. The core purpose of the service is to enable operators at each user organisation to manipulate text messages and send them to designated users. The service must provide the ability for authorised administrators at each organisation to manage operator accounts, including their creation and deletion. The service will be available 24 hours per day, 365 days per year. The supplier will provide full support to user organisations for all issues relating to the service. To reflect evolving communication needs across the research and education sector, the next iteration of the service will also encourage the adoption of modern messaging platforms (e.g. Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, Slack, and push notifications) alongside SMS, through a phased omnichannel roadmap.

Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=99513&B=

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d681
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/069485-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

64 - Postal and telecommunications services

CPV Codes

64212100 - Short Message Service (SMS) services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Oct 20251 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Jan 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 May 2026 - 30 Apr 2030 4-5 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
JISC
Contact Name
Sarah Rowlands
Contact Email
sarah.rowlands@jisc.ac.uk
Contact Phone
+44 01174500469

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS1 6NB
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK51 Bristol, City of
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Bristol, City of
Electoral Ward
Central
Westminster Constituency
Bristol Central

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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