This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

15 Jul 2026 at 10:51

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process is initiated by the University of South Wales, based in Pontypridd, United Kingdom, for the provision of an online peer-to-peer and student-to-staff asynchronous chat platform, along with a virtual community platform. This falls under the services category with a focus on software supply services. It utilises an open procedure method and adheres to Welsh devolved regulations. The tender phase is currently active and critical dates include an enquiry period ending on 7th August 2026, and a submission deadline on 12th August 2026. The estimated contract value is £240,000 with a gross value of £288,000, and the contract period runs from 7th September 2026 to 6th September 2029, with an option to extend for one additional year. The procurement process allows electronic submissions in both English and Welsh.

This tender offers promising opportunities for businesses specialising in scalable, cloud-based software services. It is particularly suitable for SMEs capable of delivering secure chat platforms that facilitate communication among students and staff in a university setting. Companies with expertise in integration with external platforms, data protection, and the capacity for continuous innovation within the UK higher-education admissions ecosystem may find this contract particularly advantageous. With evaluation criteria focusing on integration, data protection, and overall quality, businesses that can demonstrate high performance in these areas stand a good chance of being successful in the bidding process.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Online peer-to-peer and student-to-staff asynchronous chat platform, and virtual community platform

Notice Description

The University of South Wales seeks the provision of a secure, scalable, cloud-based online peer-to-peer asynchronous chat platform and associated virtual community functionality. The solution must enable prospective students to engage directly with trained current students ("student ambassadors") and, where appropriate, staff, through moderated one-to-one messaging and community-based discussion spaces. The platform must support the full applicant journey, from early enquiry through to enrolment, and integrate with external platforms used within the UK higher-education admissions ecosystem.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cbc6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066684-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

72268000 - Software supply services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£240,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£240,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 Jul 2026Today
Submission Deadline
12 Aug 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
6 Sep 2026 - 6 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
PONTYPRIDD
Postcode
CF37 1DL
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL51 Central Valleys and Bridgend
Delivery Location
TLL15 Central Valleys

Local Authority
Rhondda Cynon Taf
Electoral Ward
Treforest
Westminster Constituency
Pontypridd

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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