Scope
Reference
SU113(26)
Description
The University is seeking to award an initial 3-year contract, to commence in Spring 2026 with an option to extend for a further two one-year period (3+1+1) to develop and execute a comprehensive marketing and recruitment strategy for online learning programmes.
Swansea University intends to launch Swansea University Online in September 2026. This ambitious programme of online learning will enhance and diversify the university’s educational portfolio and ensure that it remains relevant and attractive to the needs of all learners.
Swansea University Online will combine the university’s existing expertise in educational innovation with external commercial partnership to market and recruit to high-quality online programmes and courses, at scale and at pace. The intention is to deliver new postgraduate taught programmes for both the UK and international markets from September 2026, with the potential addition of an undergraduate programme within the initial contract period. The University estimates a total contract value over the five year maximum contract period a range of between GBP 3175000 to GBP 4700000.
This tender is being run as a Light Touch Contract pursuant to section 9 of the Procurement Act 2023.
In line with Procurement Act 2023 Schedule 5, for any future procurement of additional or repeat goods, services or works we reserve the right to directly award under sch5 para.8 a) and b).
This tender is being run on eTenderWales portal
https://etenderwales.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/home.html
Please ensure that you follow the eTendering portal instructions carefully to ensure that your completed tender is correctly saved and successfully submitted. Should you require assistance, please refer to the online “HELP FOR SUPPLIERS” in the first instance. Any further problems should be directed to the eTendering helpdesk, available Mon-Fri from 8am to 6pm on:
Email: help@bravosolution.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 069 8634
Total value (estimated)
- £4,700,000 excluding VAT
- £5,600,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 20 April 2026 to 19 April 2029
- Possible extension to 20 April 2031
- 5 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
Two 1 year extension options
(3)+1+1
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80300000 - Higher education services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Submission
Enquiry deadline
5 March 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
18 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All Tender documents and tender responses are via eTenderWales portal.
https://etenderwales.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/home.html
Please ensure that you follow the eTendering portal instructions carefully to ensure that your completed tender is correctly saved and successfully submitted. Should you require assistance, please refer to the online “HELP FOR SUPPLIERS” in the first instance. Any further problems should be directed to the eTendering helpdesk, available Mon-Fri from 8am to 6pm on:
Email: help@bravosolution.co.uk
Telephone: 0800 069 8634
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
- Welsh
- English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Price | 30.00% |
| Marketing Approach and Expertise | Quality | 20.00% |
| Recruitment Approach and Expertise | Quality | 20.00% |
| Case Studies and Expertise | Quality | 10.00% |
| Project Management and Contract Mobilisation | Quality | 10.00% |
| Account Management and Continuous Improvement | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Timescales to proceed to publish tender preliminary market engagement exercise has not been taken on this occasion.
Contracting authority
Swansea University
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PTNV-7472-GRTW
Procurement, Finance Dept.
Swansea
SA2 8PP
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@swansea.ac.uk
Website: http://www.swansea.ac.uk
Region: UKL18 - Swansea
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales