Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
University of Aberdeen
University Office, King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM50 - Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.abdn.ac.uk/procurement
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00102
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Provision of Graduation Event Management Services for the University of Aberdeen
Reference number
AU25/06
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79952000 - Event services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The University requires a main contractor to support the delivery of the summer graduation ceremonies, hosted in a marquee setting on King’s Lawn. Working alongside the appointed marquee provider, the contractor will be expected to deliver a high‑quality event experience that reflects the significance and profile of graduation within the University’s academic calendar.
The summer graduation ceremonies for 2026 will take place between 29th June and 3rd July 2026 (inclusive).
In addition to the summer ceremonies, the University may require events services for the Winter Graduation ceremonies during the contract period. Winter graduation support at this stage is subject to university approval during the term of the contract. If approved, winter graduation ceremonies are anticipated to take place between 23rd and 27th November, with ceremonies expected to occur on 24th – 26th November. Winter graduations are smaller in scale and will be hosted inside Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen Campus.
The anticipated contract period is 1 year, commencing 1st June 2026. Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79952000 - Event services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM50 - Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire
Main site or place of performance
University of Aberdeen
University Office,
King's College,
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
UK
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The University requires a main contractor to support the delivery of the summer graduation ceremonies, hosted in a marquee setting on King’s Lawn. Working alongside the appointed marquee provider, the contractor will be expected to deliver a high‑quality event experience that reflects the significance and profile of graduation within the University’s academic calendar.
The summer graduation ceremonies for 2026 will take place between 29th June and 3rd July 2026 (inclusive).
In addition to the summer ceremonies, the University may require events services for the Winter Graduation ceremonies during the contract period. Winter graduation support at this stage is subject to university approval during the term of the contract. If approved, winter graduation ceremonies are anticipated to take place between 23rd and 27th November, with ceremonies expected to occur on 24th – 26th November. Winter graduations are smaller in scale and will be hosted inside Elphinstone Hall, Old Aberdeen Campus.
The anticipated contract period is 1 year, commencing 1st June 2026. Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 70
Price - Weighting: 30
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
12
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
Subject to satisfactory performance and mutual agreement, the University reserves the option to extend the contract for up to three additional periods of 1 year each.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
16 March 2026
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
16 March 2026
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published: The anticipated timing for any further notices will depend on whether the available extensions are exercised. If no extensions are applied, the next notice would be issued at the beginning of 2027.
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 31177. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
(SC Ref:823363)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Aberdeen Sheriff Court
Aberdeen
Country
United Kingdom