Scope
Reference
MR25_009
Description
The University of Kent has procured an enterprise-grade Generative AI platform to support teaching, learning, research, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The platform must provide a secure, institutionally governed AI environment; support student learning and staff productivity; reduce institutional risk; and enable scalable, compliant AI use across the university. Full details are available in the documentation. Due to the academic timetable, there are limited opportunities in the year to implement with a target date of approximately April 2026.
Contract 1. AI platform for use by Staff and Students at The University Of Kent
Supplier
Contract value
- £3,257,010 excluding VAT
- £3,908,412 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
10 February 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
10 February 2026
Standstill period
- End: 19 February 2026
- 8 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 February 2026 to 30 April 2028
- Possible extension to 30 April 2031
- 5 years, 2 months, 9 days
Description of possible extension:
3 x 12 month extensions subject to performance and budget approval up to a maximum of 5 years, 2 months and 20 days.
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Additional capability and capacity is anticipated, however currently cannot be predicted due to the fast speed of development of new functionality in the AI Sector.
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Information about tenders
- 6 tenders received
- 6 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 1 supplier awarded contracts
- 5 suppliers unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Submission
Submission type
Requests to participate
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Supplier
OPENAI UK LTD
- Companies House: 14367667
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWPB-5541-NWZV
Suite 1, 7th Floor 50 Broadway
London
SW1H 0BL
United Kingdom
Email: ar-enterprise@openai.com
Website: http://www.openai.com
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Connected people/organisations:
Open AI
1st Floor, The Liffey Trust Centre
117-126 Sheriff Street Upper
Dublin 1, D01 YC43
Ireland
Contract 1. AI platform for use by Staff and Students at The University Of Kent
Contracting authority
The University Of Kent
- UK Register of Learning Providers (UKPRN number): 10007150
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYN-9654-JPQJ
The Registry,
Canterbury
CT2 7NZ
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@kent.ac.uk
Website: http://www.kent.ac.uk/
Region: UKJ44 - East Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government