Tender

Provision of Student Communication Support Services

UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

11 Mar 2026 at 00:00

Tender

10 Mar 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Strathclyde seeks to establish a framework agreement for Student Communication Support Services, aimed at providing essential services to students who are Deaf or have hearing loss. Located in Glasgow, the University plans to support their Disability and Wellbeing Services by engaging qualified personnel to deliver British Sign Language (BSL) interpreting and electronic notetaking services. This procurement process, classified under CPV code 79540000 (Translation services), is currently in the tender stage, with the end date for submissions revised to 12:00 PM on 9th April 2026 due to initial technical issues. The procurement adopts an open procedure, welcoming electronic submissions. The published value for these services amounts to £800,000 GBP, with the emphasis on high-quality delivery and fair pricing.

This tender presents lucrative opportunities for businesses experienced in providing communication support services within the education sector, particularly those specialising in services for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals. Companies employing well-qualified BSL interpreters and electronic notetakers, holding recognised certifications like Signature levels 3 and 4, will find themselves suitably placed to compete. As the contract includes options for renewal, successful companies could benefit from ongoing collaboration with a prestigious higher education institution. The procurement demands robust insurance coverage, and participants must demonstrate relevant experience through examples of past supplies or services. This process aligns with community benefit requirements, suggesting potential positive impacts beyond direct business gains.

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How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of Student Communication Support Services

Notice Description

The University's Disability and Wellbeing Services requires the establishment of a Framework for various forms of Student Communication Support Services to support students who are Deaf or have hearing loss.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The University's Disability and Wellbeing Services requires the establishment of a Framework for various forms of Student Communication Support Services to support students who are Deaf or have hearing loss. The Framework will comprise of two main elements. British Sign Language (BSL) interpreters are required to provide communication support to Deaf students during planned teaching activity such as lectures, labs and tutorials and to enable them to access all aspects of the wider University social experience outside of formal teaching sessions. Where necessary, they are also required to provide translation support outside of lectures and classes, both online or in-person, to aid Deaf students with direct study which can include podcasts, pre-recorded lectures and readings. Electronic notetakers (ENT) are required to provide a set of notes for Deaf or hard of hearing students who cannot take their own notes because they are either lipreading or watching a sign language interpreter. They are required to provide a summary of what is being said rather than a word-for-word account. All personnel delivering these services must be appropriately qualified, experienced, and trained in supporting disabled students within higher education settings. This contract requires the provision of band 1 and band 2 BSL Interpreters holding registration with the appropriate membership bodies and Electronic Notetakers holding signature level 3 and signature level 4 certification. The number of students that require these services varies from year to year and is not finalised until the start of each semester.. Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.

Options: In line with Regulation 72 - Modification of Contracts During their Term, of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, this Contract may be modified without a new procurement procedure in accordance with this Part in some cases.

Renewal: The contract is subject to two up to 12-month extensions. Any extension is to be exercised at the University's entire discretion and will only be valid upon written notification to the Tenderer no later than 30 days prior to the expiry of the preceding term.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000824102
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=MAR551483
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F14 - Corrigendum
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

79530000 - Translation services

79540000 - Interpretation services

80340000 - Special education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£800,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
11 Mar 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
8 Apr 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
February 2030

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

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

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G1 1XU
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM82 Glasgow City

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North East

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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