Scope
Reference
CB25_005
Description
The University of Kent is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) activity in accordance with Section 16 of the Procurement Act 2023. The current fitness suite equipment is up to 12 years old and currently not under warranty. With cardiovascular equipment failing regularly and parts and servicing obsolete or slow machines are placed out of order frequently awaiting attention from Core Health & Fitness Technicians or awaiting parts that can take weeks to ship and arrive. The purpose of this engagement is to develop an understanding of the available market, commercial models, costs, risks and delivery options for the provision of gym equipment. The University has not yet decided whether the requirement will be met through purchase, lease, lease to buy or another arrangement. Information gathered from this exercise will be used to inform the decision making regarding the preferred commercial approach to help shape the project specification for the provision of gym equipment. Participation or non-participation in this exercise will not prevent any supplier from participating in any future procurement process. It is not intended that information provided by any supplier will place any supplier at an advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement. Responses received as part of this preliminary market engagement will not be scored or evaluated. This preliminary market engagement does not constitute a commitment to undertake a procurement exercise. However, subject to the outcome of this engagement, it is the University’s intention to commence a procurement exercise w/c 9th March 2026. Response and Deadline Please complete the questions below and return via the EU Supply portal by 24th February 2026 at 12:00hrs.
Total value (estimated)
- £375,000 excluding VAT
- £450,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 37440000 - Fitness equipments
- 37420000 - Gymnasium equipment
- 37442000 - Weight and resistance training equipment
- 37480000 - Machinery or apparatus for leisure equipment
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
24 February 2026
Engagement process description
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
9 March 2026
Contracting authority
University of Kent
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYN-9654-JPQJ
The Registry
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 7NZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ44 - East Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government