This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

09 Jul 2026 at 07:28

Award

08 Apr 2026 at 14:02

Tender

23 Dec 2025 at 15:45

Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process was spearheaded by Transport Focus, a central government authority in the United Kingdom, and pertained to carrying out qualitative research on British Sign Language (BSL) users' experiences on rail. Located at their London office, Transport Focus undertook an open procurement method aimed at below-threshold competition. The complete tender process was initiated on 23 December 2025. The project, entitled "Qualitative Research - British Sign Language Users on Rail," commenced on 1 February 2026 and was concluded by 30 April 2026, specifically targeting the UK as the delivery region. The awarded contract was publicised on 8 April 2026, with the supplier being the University of Manchester, well-known for their expertise in similar domains.

For businesses seeking to expand, this tender represented a significant opportunity, especially for those specialising in accessibility and inclusive design research or possessing strong experience with the d/Deaf community. The contract concentrated on research services, particularly qualitative analyses, thereby opening avenues for suppliers proficient in such methodologies. Ideal contenders included academic teams, consortia, and research suppliers capable of delivering insights and recommendations on BSL users' information needs across diverse environments, including rail stations and digital platforms. The procurement process encouraged participation of SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) and VCSEs (Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises), thus widening the field for smaller, specialised firms eager to apply their expertise in a meaningful context.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Qualitative Research - British Sign Language Users on Rail

Notice Description

The appointed supplier will work with Transport Focus and SISJ partners to design and deliver qualitative research addressing how BSL users want to receive passenger information across rail environments.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fcce
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064444-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
£60,000 Under £100K
Contracts Value
£52,710 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
15 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Jan 20265 months ago
Contract Period
20 Apr 2026 - 30 Jun 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4QZ
Post Town
East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
2
Supplier Names

THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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