Planning

Digital Configurator

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

20 May 2026 at 09:01

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

07 May 2026 at 15:33

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education is currently in the planning stage of a public procurement process for the "Digital Configurator" project, with a focus on developing a digital tool to automate and standardise early-stage school building design processes. This initiative is connected to the broader Construction Framework 2025, aiming to enhance efficiency across the educational infrastructure landscape. Located in London, the department intends to engage the market through a series of events and questionnaires starting in May 2026, culminating in the contract period projected to commence on 25th September 2026 and lasting until March 2028, with possible extension into 2029. The procurement involves a significant investment, with a contractual value estimated at £1,583,333.34, indicating a commitment to a robust, rule-based digital environment for design standard compliance checks, 3D modelling, and other functionalities. The procurement method is likely to be selective, possibly employing the Construction Professional Services 2 framework or an Open Procedure tender, emphasizing a competitive approach to supplier selection.

This tender presents a lucrative opportunity for businesses specialising in software development, construction consultancy, and architectural services, particularly those adept in creating industry-specific solutions and project management software. Companies offering robust systems and technical consultancy, 3D visualisation tools, and compliance engines are well-placed to capitalise on this tender, given its alignment with the Construction Framework 2025's high standards and innovative processes. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are encouraged to engage, especially those experienced in design consultancy and systems integration. Participation in this project allows for significant visibility and contribution to a pioneering educational project, enhancing portfolio profiles and standing in a competitive industry sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Digital Configurator

Notice Description

The Digital Configurator proposes a new DfE digital tool that will automate and standardise early-stage feasibility design for school buildings. It will translate the tools developed within the Department's design standards into an intelligent rule-based digital environment, enabling the automatic generation of block models, site layouts, compliance checks, 3D visualisations and exportable design data. The tool will be a core enabler of consistent, compliant and efficient feasibility development across the school estate. The configurator shall be developed to enable 'smart' analysis of common changes and other compliance challenges. The successful supplier will undertake a phased programme to design, build, test and support the release of the Digital Configurator. The Digital Configurator supplier will benefit from a report, with pattern book compliant designs, which can be used, alongside the Department's New Model Designs to train and test the configurators' outputs. The Department intends to publish a market engagement notice and undertake market engagement in May-June 2026. The Department is considering a call-off from Construction Professional Services 2 (RM6356) or an Open Procedure tender. If we proceed with RM6356, the specific lot will be determined as the project develops. Read more about the Construction Framework 2025 here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/school-buildings-construction-framework-2025

Planning Information

Market engagement events: To register for the events below, you will need to create a Jaggaer account via the following link: Link: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html Once you have created an account, you will need to access our opportunity notice for Event 754 – Digital Configurator Market Engagement. To do this, log in to Jaggaer and select the Published Opportunities tab, which can be found under the Sourcing drop-down menu. Our opportunity notice can be accessed via the following link: Link: https://education.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61047 Once you have accessed our opportunity notice, you will be able to register your intention to participate via Event 754 - Digital Configurator, Market Engagement. Within this event, the DfE will broadcast invitations to our market engagement events, via the Jaggaer messaging function. It is your responsibility to access these broadcasts and forward our invitations to the relevant colleagues within your organisation. 1. Meet the Buyer event and Q&A session The Department will be hosting a presentation via Microsoft Teams on the dates below: 21 May 2026, 10:00 till 11:00 (deadline to register 20 May 12:00) During this event, DfE personnel involved in the project will outline our requirements, the indicative timeline and our procurement approach. There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the session. The DfE will send out our final invitation message on the 20th May. It is your responsibility to access these messages, and forward the invitations to your relevant colleagues. 2. Market Engagement Questionnaire Following our market engagement presentation, the DfE will publish a market engagement questionnaire. This will be live from 22 May until 3 of June, and will be used to inform our procurement approach.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0693d6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046121-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Award under framework
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

48100000 - Industry specific software package

71000000 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

71242000 - Project and design preparation, estimation of costs

71530000 - Construction consultancy services

71540000 - Construction management services

72212331 - Project management software development services

72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services

72230000 - Custom software development services

79415200 - Design consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,583,333 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
13 Jul 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
24 Sep 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
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
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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