Planning

Mass Communication System (MCS)

BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Nov 2025 at 16:52

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Bournemouth University is initiating a procurement process for a Mass Communication System (MCS) to enhance its emergency preparedness as mandated by the Martyn’s Law. The procurement is currently at the planning stage, with a focus on gathering industry expertise through Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) to inform project requirements. Situated in Poole, United Kingdom, the university is classified under the sub-central government public authority category. The MCS project is set in the telecommunications and information systems industry, with potential contract execution starting on 1st September 2026 and concluding by 31st August 2030. The upcoming milestone involves virtual meetings with interested suppliers scheduled for early 2026. The due date for PME responses is 10th December 2025. Bournemouth University aims to conduct an openly advertised tender process after the engagement phase.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses specialising in telecommunications equipment and software systems, particularly those with proven capabilities in delivering real-time communication solutions. It is well-suited for suppliers that can provide robust systems compliant with enhanced emergency protocols. Businesses with innovative solutions for operational safety, event management, or enhanced internal communication are encouraged to participate. Engaging in this process allows firms to align closely with Bournemouth University's strategic requirements, potentially leading to further collaborations beyond the primary MCS scope. Suppliers interested in being considered for the upcoming meetings should express their interest accordingly to receive detailed project requirements and a questionnaire for evaluation.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Mass Communication System (MCS)

Notice Description

Bournemouth University ("BU" or the "University") requires the services of a supplier to provide a supply of a Mass Communication System (MCS). The successful supplier will be required to work with BU to implement a MCS in response to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn's Law, which mandates enhanced emergency preparedness for institutions with large public footfall. As an Enhanced Tier institution, BU must deploy a system capable of delivering real-time alerts across all campuses by February 2027 to remain compliant and avoid significant financial penalties. The proposed MCS will support emergency communication, operational safety, and business continuity, while also offering potential for broader use in events, student engagement, and internal messaging.

Planning Information

The purpose of this PME is to gather industry expertise and feedback that will inform the development of our final project and procurement requirements. Objectives: • Gain a better understanding of suppliers' capabilities, experiences, and innovations. • Identify potential challenges and solutions relevant to the upcoming procurement project. • Inform suppliers about the project's scope, objectives, and key requirements. BU are intending on holding virtual meetings / demonstration sessions with interested suppliers via Microsoft Teams in early 2026. If you wish to be considered for a virtual meeting / demonstration session with BU’s project team, please contact procurement@bournemouth.ac.uk to register your interest with the subject heading “IT/OS/526 – Mass Communication System”. Once suppliers have expressed their interest we will provide further information on the requirements with a Questionnaire for completion. BU will then shortlist suppliers for the virtual meetings / demonstration sessions based on the answers provided in the completed Questionnaires. Please note that while we aim to engage with a broad range of suppliers, it may not be possible to invite all interested parties to a meeting. Participation in this exercise is voluntary, and there is no obligation for BU to meet with every supplier who expresses an interest and submits a completed Questionnaire. This PME is not a request for quotation. BU’s current intention is to conduct an openly advertised tender process at a later stage. There is no obligation for suppliers to respond to this PME. Supplier responses (or lack thereof) to this exercise will not be used to determine which suppliers will be carried forward to tender process or in any subsequent evaluation of supplier proposals.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e4d0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/075411-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

48 - Software package and information systems

CPV Codes

32500000 - Telecommunications equipment and supplies

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£150,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Nov 20252 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Aug 20269 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2026 - 31 Aug 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
BOURNEMOUTH UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Olly Sanders
Contact Email
procurement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Contact Phone
01202962054

Buyer Location

Locality
POOLE
Postcode
BH12 5BB
Post Town
Bournemouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK63 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Delivery Location
TLK24 Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Local Authority
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Electoral Ward
Talbot & Branksome Woods
Westminster Constituency
Bournemouth West

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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