Award

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

Similarity Detection Software Subscription Renewal

Keele University

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

14 Oct 2026 at 12:34

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Keele renewed its subscription to Turnitin similarity-detection software. The service lets students and academic staff compare submitted work against a content database to help identify potential plagiarism and check originality in assessed work. It includes cloud-hosted access, technical support, software updates and maintenance, and is integrated with the university’s learning and assessment systems. The requirement is for software supply services, supporting academic integrity and continuity of the university’s assessment processes. Delivery is recorded across England; the software is used across the University of Keele.

The procurement is complete and the contract was awarded to TURNITIN, LLC. The University used a direct award below the applicable threshold, without competition. The contract was signed on 1 August 2026 and runs from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027. Its value is £27,621 excluding VAT (£33,145.20 including VAT). The award is active. The requirement was treated as one lot. The published procurement information describes the software’s role and service components, but does not set out an evaluation basis or supplier eligibility criteria.

For suppliers considering a similar future requirement from the University of Keele, this award shows demand for a specialist academic similarity-checking subscription rather than a standalone software licence. A credible alternative would need to compare student and staff submissions against a substantial content database, support originality checking in assessed work, and integrate with existing learning and assessment systems. Cloud-hosted service delivery, ongoing technical support, software updates and maintenance are also part of the requirement. Continuity and compatibility with the university’s established workflows were central to the renewal, so suppliers would need to demonstrate dependable service and a practical transition or integration approach. The buyer selected the incumbent through a direct, non-competitive route for this below-threshold renewal; the award therefore indicates the purchasing route used for this instance, not an open competition.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Similarity Detection Software Subscription Renewal

Notice Description

Keele University has awarded a contract for the renewal of Turnitin Similarity Detection Software Subscription for a period of 12 months. Turnitin is used across the University to support academic integrity by enabling students and academic staff to compare submitted work against a comprehensive content database, helping to identify potential plagiarism and ensure originality in assessed work. The software is integrated with the University's learning and assessment systems and forms a key component of the academic assessment process. The contract provides continued access to Turnitin's similarity checking functionality, associated cloud-hosted services, technical support, software updates and maintenance. The renewal ensures continuity of service whilst maintaining compatibility with existing systems and workflows.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-078775
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/096967-2026
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
Large

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£27,621 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Oct 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Aug 2026 - 31 Jul 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Keele 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
STAFFORDSHIRE
Postcode
ST5 5BG
Postcode Area
Stoke-on-Trent
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG2 Shropshire and Staffordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG24 Staffordshire CC
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Electoral Ward
Keele
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle-under-Lyme

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Turnitin UK

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.

Loading OCDS record...