Planning

Finance System

  • University of Ulster

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2024/S 000-014026

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-045674

Published 1 May 2024, 12:04pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

University of Ulster

Block X Room X031, Cromore Road

Coleraine

BT52 1SA

Contact

Paula foherty

Email

p.doherty@ulster.ac.uk

Telephone

+44 2871675468

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UKN - Northern Ireland

National registration number

NIC100166

Internet address(es)

Main address

www.ulster.ac.uk

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at

https://e-sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml

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

Finance System

Reference number

project_28136 pqq_4530

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 48000000 - Software package and information systems

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

Finance System

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 48400000 - Business transaction and personal business software package
  • 48440000 - Financial analysis and accounting software package
  • 48450000 - Time accounting or human resources software package
  • 48490000 - Procurement software package
  • 48600000 - Database and operating software package
  • 48800000 - Information systems and servers
  • 48900000 - Miscellaneous software package and computer systems

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKN - Northern Ireland
Main site or place of performance

The Service Provider will provide a Finance System which supports the smooth operation of the University’s core education role, across three of its four campus locations in Belfast, Coleraine & Derry

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

Ulster University intends to commence a procurement exercise for new Finance System later this year.

In line with the PIN advertised on TED, Ulster University is carrying out market research to understand the current marketplace for an end-to-end financial and procurement system to replace our existing financial system.

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) and Request for Information (RFI) is to invite potential service providers to express an interest and provide information to assist with best practice system specification for a Finance System.

The procurement route, duration and type of contract(s) shall be determined following this preliminary market consultation and engagement with market participants. It is this which will inform the University’s strategy for a Finance System.

It is important to note that this PIN/RFI is not a call for competition, a pre-qualification questionnaire, part of any pre-qualification/selection process or a current tender opportunity. Potential providers will need to express an interest in any future tender opportunity once a Contract Notice (or equivalent) is published.

Please note that all information provided in this RFI is indicative only and subject to change. The University reserves the right, at its absolute discretion, to modify this information at any time and for any reason. Information requested at this stage is not for evaluation purposes.

This RFI is intended as an awareness, communication, and information-gathering exercise. An expression of interest is no indication of a commitment to participate in the RFI process nor does it infer any preferential or special status on those individuals and organisations who express an interest in the RFI exercise.

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) and Request for Information (RFI) is to invite potential service providers to express an interest and provide information to assist with best practice system specification for a Finance System.

The procurement route, duration and type of contract(s) shall be determined following this preliminary market consultation and engagement with market participants. It is this which will inform the University’s strategy for a Finance System.

It is important to note that this PIN/RFI is not a call for competition, a pre-qualification questionnaire, part of any pre-qualification/selection process or a current tender opportunity. Potential providers will need to express an interest in any future tender opportunity once a Contract Notice (or equivalent) is published.

Please note that all information provided in this RFI is indicative only and subject to change. The University reserves the right, at its absolute discretion, to modify this information at any time and for any reason. Information requested at this stage is not for evaluation purposes.

This RFI is intended as an awareness, communication, and information-gathering exercise. An expression of interest is no indication of a commitment to participate in the RFI process nor does it infer any preferential or special status on those individuals and organisations who express an interest in the RFI exercise.

The indicative timetable for the main stages of the procurement process is anticipated to be as follows: The University anticipates awarding contract at the end of 2024 and plans to go live between January and June 2026.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

2 September 2024


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

Please note that the Request for Information (RFI) questionnaire for this opportunity will be accessible on the eSourcing NI platform under project_28136 pqq_4530. This RFI questionnaire also contains further information on the opportunity which can be accessed on the following portal website:

https://e- sourcingni.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.shtml.

This RFI questionnaire should be completed by interested providers and submitted via eSourcing NI as directed no later than 30 May 2024.

The information contained within this notice may be subject to change within the final Contract Notice published in relation to this opportunity.

The University will, once the Contract Notice and procurement documents have been published, welcome interest from all capable potential service providers. However, interested parties are advised that they must ultimately satisfy the minimum requirements of the selection criteria that will be set out in the

procurement documents, in order to be considered for the next stage (award stage) of the procurement process.