Award

Contract for Housing Chatbot Extension

GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

03 Feb 2026 at 14:00

Summary of the contracting process

Gateshead Borough Council has awarded a contract for the extension of a housing chatbot to FUZZLAB LIMITED, under the procurement category of goods. The contract, titled "Contract for Housing Chatbot Extension," is governed by UK legislation 2023/54 and covers the period from 1st February 2026 to 1st February 2027. Due to the specific nature and capabilities required for the chatbot, the procurement was conducted directly without competition, which is a method applied when an open competition might not be suitable or necessary. The council, located in Gateshead, UK, finalised the award with the contract signing completed on 29th December 2025.

This procurement provides a unique business opportunity for companies specialising in communication software packages, specifically those with solutions similar to the current chatbot in place. Firms with competencies in developing, extending, or maintaining bespoke software solutions may find similar future opportunities with public authorities like Gateshead Borough Council. The process exemplifies an opportunity for SMEs to become sole suppliers, especially when they offer a specialised product that meets a public authority's ongoing operational requirements. This contract underscores the potential for growth within the public sector for small to medium enterprises capable of delivering tailored technological solutions.

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Notice Title

Contract for Housing Chatbot Extension

Notice Description

Gateshead Council currently uses Fuzzlab's Chatbot for Housing. This contract expires in February 2026, with Fuzzlab Limited being the only supplier able to provide this particular chatbot.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06156b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/009478-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48510000 - Communication software package

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£38,760 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
29 Dec 20251 months ago
Contract Period
1 Feb 2026 - 1 Feb 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GATESHEAD BOROUGH COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@gateshead.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
GATESHEAD
Postcode
NE8 1HH
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Gateshead
Electoral Ward
Bridges
Westminster Constituency
Gateshead Central and Whickham

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

FUZZLAB

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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