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Provision of Microsoft Unified Support Services

UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

28 Jul 2026 at 14:59

UK5 - Transparency Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Leicester has completed a direct award procurement process for the provision of Microsoft Unified Support Services, a critical component of its digital infrastructure. This tender, which encompasses reactive and proactive support services for a wide array of Microsoft products, was awarded to MICROSOFT LIMITED, based in Reading. The contract is valued at £1,109,585 and covers the contract period from 1st August 2026 to 31st July 2029. The procurement process followed the legal framework set out by UKPGA 2023/54 and took place in the UKF21 region, which includes Leicester in the United Kingdom. The procurement stage is documented as complete, with the official award notice published on 28th July 2026.

This tender provides substantial business opportunities for those engaged in software support services, particularly businesses capable of handling Microsoft technologies. Large enterprises or businesses already involved in the provision of IT support services may find opportunities for collaboration or subcontracting due to the contract's expansive service scope. Furthermore, it underscores the criticality of having niche capabilities in support solutions for comprehensive product ecosystems, reinforcing demand for companies able to respond dynamically to large institutional needs. The direct award method highlights MICROSOFT LIMITED's unique position to provide integrated and unparalleled support, underscoring the potential for long-term partnerships in similar agreements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Microsoft Unified Support Services

Notice Description

Reactive and proactive support services for Microsoft products and services - desktop, on-premise (campus) hosted services, Microsoft 365 (Office 365, Sharepoint, Teams, etc) and Dynamics and wider ecosystem.

Procurement Information

The University of Leicester has a significant and growing dependency on Microsoft technologies for the delivery of its core digital infrastructure and business-critical services. Since the commencement of the previous Microsoft Unified Support agreement, the University's reliance on the Microsoft ecosystem has expanded substantially. A Microsoft Unified Support agreement is considered the only viable route to provide comprehensive support across the University's Microsoft estate. As the software vendor and manufacturer, Microsoft is uniquely positioned to deliver end-to-end reactive and proactive support for its full product portfolio. Procuring support through alternative providers would require multiple contracts with different Microsoft partners, increasing complexity, reducing accountability, and creating gaps in service coverage. Prior to renewal, independent market advice was sought to assess the availability and suitability of third-party support providers. This assessment concluded that while third-party support options exist, no single provider could adequately support the full range of Microsoft products utilised by the University. Furthermore, such providers remain dependent on Microsoft for product escalation and resolution of complex issues. Analysis of support cases and escalations over the previous three years demonstrated that many critical incidents would not have been resolved without direct Microsoft involvement. Engaging a third-party support provider would therefore introduce additional layers of escalation, resulting in slower response times, reduced service quality, and increased operational risk.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d59e
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/071361-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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

CPV Codes

72261000 - Software support services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£1,109,585 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
LEICESTER
Postcode
LE1 7RH
Post Town
Leicester
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLF East Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLF2 Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLF21 Leicester
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Leicester
Electoral Ward
Castle
Westminster Constituency
Leicester South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

MICROSOFT

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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