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Blackboard Ally - Accessibility Tooling for LMS

University of Portsmouth

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

23 Sep 2026 at 09:42

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Portsmouth requires continued access to Blackboard Ally, a proprietary accessibility tool integrated with its learning management system. The service supports digital accessibility across the university’s learning environment and helps it meet accessibility obligations while avoiding disruption to teaching and learning. This is a software-related service, rather than a purchase of general-purpose software: the requirement is for continued access to the named solution. The service supports the University’s learning environment across locations in England, with the buying organisation based in Portsmouth.

The procurement is complete and the contract was awarded to TET Limited. The University used a direct award under the NHS SBS Digital Workplace Solutions 2 framework, citing technical reasons: it considered there was no viable alternative that could meet its requirements without significant disruption, following market analysis. The award was made on 20 September 2026. The contract is active and has a stated three-year term. Its value is £121,072.13. The single lot was assessed on price, and one bid was recorded. The process was conducted without a prior call for competition.

For suppliers assessing this buyer’s future accessibility-tooling requirement, the award indicates demand for continuity of a proprietary product already integrated with the University’s learning management system, rather than a new or standalone accessibility platform. A credible competitor would need to demonstrate that its solution can support digital accessibility across the learning environment, meet the University’s accessibility obligations and integrate with its existing LMS without significant disruption to teaching and learning. The buyer justified selecting the incumbent route on technical grounds after market analysis, so evidence of technical compatibility and a viable transition or continuity approach would be central to competing if the requirement returns. The award also shows that the University has used a framework call-off route and considered price in its evaluation.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Blackboard Ally - Accessibility Tooling for LMS

Notice Description

The University requires continued access to Blackboard Ally to support digital accessibility across the learning environment. The new contract is to ensure continuity of service and compliance with accessibility obligations. The new contract provides a stable 3-year term aligned to the University's requirements. Blackboard Ally is a proprietary accessibility solution integrated into the University's LMS. This was undertaken via a Direct Award was completed under the NHS SBS Digital Workplace Solutions 2 Framework (SBS10510), in accordance with the framework's permitted call-off procedures.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University requires continued access to Blackboard Ally to support digital accessibility across the learning environment.

Procurement Information

There is no viable alternative that meets the requirements without significant disruption to teaching and learning. This was confirmed through market analysis before this contract award was initiated.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-077831
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/089941-2026
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

CPV Codes

72260000 - Software-related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£121,072 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Sep 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
University of Portsmouth
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PORTSMOUTH
Postcode
PO1 2UP
Postcode Area
Portsmouth
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ3 Hampshire and Isle of Wight
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ31 Portsmouth
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England), TLD North West (England), TLE Yorkshire and The Humber, TLF East Midlands (England), TLG West Midlands (England), TLH East (England), TLI London, TLJ South East (England), TLK South West (England)
Local Authority
Portsmouth
Electoral Ward
St Thomas
Westminster Constituency
Portsmouth South

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

TET Limited

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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