This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Tender

31 Jul 2026 at 17:32

Planning

07 May 2026 at 15:18

Planning

29 Oct 2025 at 15:40

Summary of the contracting process

The current public procurement process, initiated by JISC, focuses on establishing a Group Messaging Framework for the provision of SMS services across the UK education, research, and public sector communities. As the buying organisation, Jisc Services Limited aims to set up a multi-supplier framework commencing in October 2026 for a four-year term, with a total estimated value of £6,000,000. The open procedure procurement is active and allows both direct awards and mini competitions amongst suppliers. The services will cater to schools, colleges, universities, research organisations, and various public bodies across the UK. The tender process is currently at the award stage, with a submission deadline on 25th August 2026 and an award expected by 28th September 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses within the SMS and broader communication services industry. Companies specialising in SMS technology, web-based communication platforms, and related integration services would find this framework beneficial for business growth. The framework's design allows for participation by SMEs, as well as potential inclusion of additional communication channels such as Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and Slack. Businesses capable of supporting large-scale, reliable service delivery with secure communications will be particularly well-suited to compete. With a focus on providing critical messaging services to a substantial client base within the education sector, this procurement offers a platform to demonstrate expertise and win substantial contracts over a possible seven-year contract period.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Group messaging framework

Notice Description

Jisc Services Limited, a subsidiary of Jisc is the Contracting Authority. This document is the Invitation to tender (ITT) for Group messaging framework. Jisc Services Limited (JSL) is seeking to establish a multi-supplier framework to provide an SMS service for the Jisc community for a period of four (4) years commencing in October 2026. The framework provides a centrally hosted SMS group messaging platform that enables Customers to send messages to individuals or groups through a secure web-based portal and associated APIs. Typical use cases include emergency and business continuity notifications, student and learner communications, attendance and welfare alerts, timetable and course updates, appointment reminders, operational notifications, and other time-sensitive communications. Suppliers may also offer additional communication channels, integrations, and automation capabilities alongside the core SMS service. The service is primarily intended for the UK education, research and public sector communities and must be capable of supporting Customers ranging from individual schools and colleges to large universities, research organisations and public bodies.

Planning Information

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

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d681
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072933-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
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
£6,000,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£6,000,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
31 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
25 Aug 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
31 May 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Nov 2026 - 31 Oct 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
JISC
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

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

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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