Award

Chatbot

SOMERSET COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

11 May 2026 at 15:37

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Somerset Council has successfully completed its procurement process for a chatbot solution aimed at enhancing customer interactions through advanced natural language processing, awarded to BARBOUR LOGIC LIMITED. This contract, categorised under information technology services, is situated within the South West of England (UKK23). The procurement stage has reached the award stage with the contract being signed on 11th May 2026, and active implementation running from 25th May 2026 to 25th May 2027. The procurement method used was direct, falling below the threshold without competition, reflecting a focus on streamlined and efficient contract awarding.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses focused on technological innovation, especially in customer service automation. Companies that specialise in providing solutions for public authorities, particularly those that enable digital transformation and enhanced service delivery, are ideally positioned to compete in similar tenders. BARBOUR LOGIC LIMITED, an SME, exemplifies how smaller firms with specialised expertise in developing automated solutions can successfully secure government contracts, thereby expanding their business operations and fostering industry growth. The emphasis on improving service quality and operational resilience indicates a sustained demand for innovative IT services in the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Chatbot

Notice Description

The Barbour logic Chatbot has been developed to streamline and enhance customer interactions by providing immediate, accurate responses to queries. Leveraging advanced natural language processing, the Chatbot aims to improve service delivery, reduce operational pressures, and support organisational efficiency. Its implementation reflects a commitment to digital transformation, ensuring that users benefit from accessible, reliable information while freeing up valuable staff resources to focus on more complex tasks. Background research identified growing demand for automated solutions within customer service environments, particularly in sectors where prompt and consistent guidance is essential. The Barbour logic Chatbot has been designed to address these needs, aligning with strategic objectives for improved service quality and operational resilience. This initiative supports broader aims of risk avoidance and cost savings, whilst delivering a modern digital solution to meet legislative and organisational requirements. This 12 month trial was approved by a non key decision and signed by Mike O'Dowd Jones

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06961b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043186-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

72222300 - Information technology services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£38,586 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 May 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 May 20263 days ago
Contract Period
24 May 2026 - 25 May 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOMERSET COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
TAUNTON
Postcode
TA1 4DY
Post Town
Taunton
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK62 Somerset
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Somerset
Electoral Ward
Bishop's Hull & Taunton West
Westminster Constituency
Taunton and Wellington

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BARBOUR LOGIC

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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