This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

17 Jul 2026 at 09:34

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process was carried out by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), a public authority in the central government sector, based in Swindon, United Kingdom. The procurement concerns contract PS26196, titled "Comms operational support," and falls under the industry category of research consultancy services. The location for the service is the entire UK region. This procurement was directly awarded without competition due to a lack of reasonable alternatives. UK Shared Business Services Ltd, also based in Swindon, acted as the procuring entity. The contract, valued at £12,000 gross, was signed on 1st July 2026 and commenced the same day, with an end date of 3rd August 2026. Consequently, this is in the finalised stage of the procurement, with the contract already active and in effect.

This tender presents a notable opportunity for businesses specialising in research consultancy services, particularly those capable of delivering communication-related operational support. Despite the absence of a competitive tendering process, understanding the requirements laid out by UKRI could provide insights for businesses seeking similar opportunities in the future. Companies like LUTHER PENDRAGON LIMITED, which operates as an SME in London and is the awarded supplier for this contract, exemplify the type of firms that can thrive in such procurements. Such contracts may be particularly suited to SMEs looking to establish a foothold with government organisations or enhance their portfolio with central government contracts. Understanding the dynamics of direct procurement and establishing relationships with organisations like UKRI and UK Shared Business Services could open further pathways to growth for businesses within this sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

PS26196 - Comms operational support

Notice Description

***** THIS IS A CONTRACT DETAILS NOTICE, NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION ***** This procurement is being concluded without competition due to there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works. Brief Description of Requirement UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have a requirement to create an Comms operational support

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cd87
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067577-2026
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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73210000 - Research consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£10,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
30 Jun 20261 months ago
Contract Period
30 Jun 2026 - 3 Aug 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK RESEARCH AND INNOVATION
Additional Buyers

UK SHARED BUSINESS SERVICES LTD

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
SWINDON
Postcode
SN2 1FL
Post Town
Swindon
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK71 Swindon
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Swindon
Electoral Ward
Rodbourne Cheney
Westminster Constituency
Swindon North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LUTHER PENDRAGON

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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