This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

09 Jul 2026 at 15:41

Summary of the contracting process

In a recent procurement process, The Open University engaged in acquiring an "Arbortext Publishing Engine Developer License." The procurement is classified under the industry category of "Software package and information systems," and is located in the United Kingdom, specifically Milton Keynes. The process, initiated as a tender, has reached the award stage with the contract completion, having been awarded on 9th July 2026. This contract will run from 1st August 2026 to 31st July 2028, ensuring software development capabilities for The Open University. The procurement method fell below the threshold, and further legal details align with UK legislation 2023/54.

This tender provides significant business growth opportunities for suppliers specializing in software package development, especially those offering niche solutions like the Arbortext Publishing Engine. Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) focusing on innovation within the software industry would find this procurement particularly lucrative, as evidenced by the successful award to Academia Limited. By participating in such tenders, businesses can expand their clientele, enhance their market presence, and engage in long-term partnerships with esteemed institutions like The Open University. This contract signifies openings for skilled software developers and firms to demonstrate value by providing robust solutions and services in the education sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Arbortext Publishing Engine Developer License

Notice Description

PTC Arbortext Publishing Engine Development and Testing License.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c7f4
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/064899-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - unknown
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

48 - Software package and information systems


CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£35,175 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jul 20266 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
10 May 20262 months ago
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

ACADEMIA

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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