This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

08 Jul 2026 at 09:44

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process described involves the University of Strathclyde as the buying organisation, with a focus on acquiring the Wharton Data Research Services (WRDS) Platform. The project falls under the services industry category, specifically related to data-processing services and research consultancy, and is located at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow (UKM82). The procurement stage has been completed, resulting in the successful awarding of the contract to The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania dba Wharton Research Data Services. This contract saw an award procedure without the prior publication of a call for competition due to exclusive service rights, with the contract being signed on 8th July 2026, valued at £83,653. According to the legal framework governing the process, any grievances are to be addressed at the Glasgow Sheriff Court pursuant to regulations under the Public Contract (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses within the data-processing and research consultancy sectors. Companies with specialisations in providing exclusive, high-quality data services similar to the Wharton Data Research Services platform would find themselves particularly well-suited to engage in similar procurement opportunities. Although the procurement method was limited, indicating direct award without competition due to exclusive rights, businesses can focus on building proprietary offerings and establishing unique capabilities to position themselves as viable candidates in future tenders with similar procurement requirements by public bodies such as universities. This contract reflects an instance where intellectual property and specialised service provision create enforced barriers to competition, underscoring the importance of differentiation in the marketplace.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Wharton Data Research Services (WRDS) Platform

Notice Description

The provision of the Wharton Data Research Services (WRDS) Platform.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University requires the provision of the Wharton Data Research Services (WRDS) Platform for teaching and research across the whole University.

Procurement Information

It has been determined that the appropriate route to market for this requirement is an award without competition in accordance with The Procurement (Scotland) Regulations 2016, Regulation 6 - Circumstances in which a contract can be awarded without competition - (1) A contracting authority may award a public contract without seeking offers in relation to the proposed contract - b) where the works, supplies or services can be supplied only by a particular economic operator for any of the following reasons - (iii) the protection of exclusive rights, including intellectual property rights.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c601
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064025-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

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


CPV Codes

72310000 - Data-processing services

72319000 - Data supply services

73210000 - Research consultancy services

79311400 - Economic research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£83,653 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
7 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G1 1XU
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM82 Glasgow City

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

THE TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA DBA WHARTON RESEARCH DATA SERVICES

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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