Planning

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement CRM/RFI/PRO/2026

THE OPEN UNIVERSITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

01 May 2026 at 15:20

Summary of the contracting process

The Open University is currently in the planning stage of a tender process for a new project titled "Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement CRM/RFI/PRO/2026". The aim is to gather information on a modern, secure, cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system, specifically for alumni and philanthropy, including implementation, support, and ongoing service capabilities. This tender falls under the "Software package and information systems" industry category, with specific interest in educational software packages. The procurement is being managed from Milton Keynes, UK, with key engagement milestones set for suppliers to express interest by 15th May 2026. The process is at the market research phase, with plans to potentially start the contract on 1st August 2027.

This procurement opportunity provides a valuable touchpoint for businesses in the software development sector, particularly those specialising in educational or industry-specific software solutions. Companies familiar with CRM systems and providing cloud-based solutions would find this tender particularly advantageous. The emphasis on alumni and philanthropic engagement suggests that firms with a background or interest in higher education or not-for-profit sectors could considerably benefit. Additionally, with the contract period planned for five years, this represents a robust business growth opportunity for companies ready to deliver and innovate in this domain.

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Notice Title

Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement CRM/RFI/PRO/2026

Notice Description

The Open University (OU) is requesting information regarding the provision of a modern, secure, cloud based Alumni and Philanthropy Customer Relationship Management (CRM) solution, together with associated implementation, support, and ongoing service capabilities. This is a Request for Information (RFI) as market research only and not a procurement exercise.

Planning Information

Suppliers are invited to submit information to help the OU information on the market, potential suppliers and solutions. The RFI document pack is available via the OU In-Tend Procurement Portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/openuniversity/aspx/Home

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0690a6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040698-2026
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

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

48100000 - Industry specific software package

48190000 - Educational software package

48900000 - Miscellaneous software package and computer systems

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 May 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 May 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2027 - 31 Jul 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MILTON KEYNES
Postcode
MK7 6AA
Post Town
Milton Keynes
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ1 Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ12 Milton Keynes
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Milton Keynes
Electoral Ward
Monkston
Westminster Constituency
Milton Keynes Central

Further Information

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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