Scope
Reference
UOE/2026/106/JU
Description
Support in designing, building and hosting the following elements of the
Kindred project, ensuring that they are accessible, intuitive and
scalable to the carers during this pilot phase of the project:
• A content delivery platform with snackable, evidence-based resources focussed on neuropsychiatric symptoms
• A brief psychosocial intervention group coaching programme
• A moderated peer-support community
Contract 1. Kindred Project - Digital Product Agency
Supplier
Contract value
- £258,600 excluding VAT
- £310,320 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
6 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 February 2026 to 31 August 2026
- 6 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72230000 - Custom software development services
Contract locations
- UKK - South West (England)
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
Following a review of the relevant market, Rare Days was identified as the only supplier capable of meeting all defined programme requirements. The scope necessitates a combination of bespoke platform development; strategic content and community platform expertise; senior level design and engineering delivery; and advanced AI integration capability. No alternative supplier was identified that could deliver this combination to the required standard and pace within the funder defined timelines without incurring material additional cost, delay or delivery risk.
Appointing Rare Days provides continuity of technical knowledge, design decisions and strategic direction from application through to delivery. This avoids duplication of discovery activity, re onboarding and rework, thereby supporting value for money within the available funding. Maintaining continuity also reduces delivery risk and enables accelerated progress against key milestones, ensuring efficient use of public funds and timely achievement of programme objectives.
Supplier
Rare Days
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYJ-6651-NJYM
1010 Raymur Avenue
Vancouver
BC V6A 3T2
Canada
Email: miles@drivedigital.ca
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Kindred Project - Digital Product Agency
Contracting authority
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
- Companies House: RC000653
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZYG-2396-XCRZ
Northcote House, Queens Drive
Exeter
EX4 4QJ
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@exeter.ac.uk
Website: http://www.exeter.ac.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government