Scope
Reference
IT/OS/531
Description
Bournemouth University ("BU" or the "University") requires the services of a supplier for supply and implementation of a comprehensive Timetabling and Scheduling Solution, which is innovative, scalable, and user-friendly. The new system should cater to the unique requirements of higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with relevant SaaS data security and accessibility regulations.
The key objectives of the solution are to:
• Prioritise the enhancement of student experience and wellbeing.
• Improve data management and reporting.
• Ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption.
• Extend access to devolved users for specified tasks.
• Offer robust integration with existing systems using modern integration mechanisms such as secure, standards-based APIs.
• Achieve condensed timetables to attract students who commute or work around their studies.
• Accommodate teaching staff with part-time hours and other approved restrictions.
The new solution should not only meet all current functional needs but also provide the flexibility to rapidly adapt to future changes in BU's curriculum and delivery approach.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2028 to 31 July 2031
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 48190000 - Educational software package
- 48330000 - Scheduling and productivity software package
- 48332000 - Scheduling software package
- 72261000 - Software support services
Contract locations
- UKK24 - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Engagement
Engagement deadline
11 February 2026
Engagement process description
The purpose of this PME is to gather industry expertise and feedback that will inform the development of our final project and procurement requirements.
Objectives:
• Gain a better understanding of suppliers' capabilities, experiences, and innovations.
• Identify potential challenges and solutions relevant to the upcoming procurement project.
• Inform suppliers about the project's scope, objectives, and key requirements.
BU are intending on holding virtual meetings / demonstration sessions with shortlisted suppliers via Microsoft Teams in March 2026.
If you wish to be considered for a virtual meeting / demonstration session with BU's project team, please contact procurement@bournemouth.ac.uk to register your interest with the subject heading "IT/OS/531 - Timetabling System".
Once suppliers have expressed their interest we will provide further information on the requirements with a Questionnaire for completion. BU will then shortlist suppliers for the virtual meetings / demonstration sessions based on the answers provided in the Questionnaires.
Please note that while we aim to engage with a broad range of suppliers, it may not be possible to invite all interested parties to a meeting. Participation in this exercise is voluntary, and there is no obligation for BU to meet with every supplier who expresses an interest and submits a completed Questionnaire.
This PME is not a request for quotation. BU's current intention is to conduct an openly advertised tender process at a later stage.
There is no obligation for suppliers to respond to this PME. Supplier responses (or lack thereof) to this exercise will not be used to determine which suppliers will be carried forward to tender process or in any subsequent evaluation of supplier proposals.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 July 2026
Contracting authority
Bournemouth University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVRY-5141-LLTP
Poole House, Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow
Poole
BH12 5BB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Olly Sanders
Telephone: 01202961623
Email: procurement@bournemouth.ac.uk
Website: https://www.bournemouth.ac.uk
Region: UKK24 - Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government