Award

Consultancy services on HE rankings

  • UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

UK5: Transparency notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-017169

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-065cb7 (view related notices)

Published 26 February 2026, 9:48am



Scope

Description

The UEA is seeking consultancy offering a series of institutional workshops and seminars plus a wider in-depth analysis of up to 10 subject areas.

The contract will deliver:

- A programme of institutional workshops and seminars designed to build internal understanding of ranking methodologies and performance drivers.

- Detailed benchmarking analysis, including in-depth review of up to ten subject areas, to inform targeted improvement planning.

- Access to non-public comparative insights and analytical tools to support evidence-based strategic decision-making.

In addition 5-year subscription to the QS Stars rating system.


Contract 1. Consultancy services on HE ranking

Supplier

Contract value

  • £231,630 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Earliest date the contract will be signed

13 March 2026

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 23 March 2026 to 23 March 2027
  • 1 year, 1 day

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 79410000 - Business and management consultancy services

Contract locations

  • UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk

Other information

Description of risks to contract performance

Known and foreseeable risks which may impact scope, value or duration include stakeholder availability and scheduling constraints affecting delivery timelines, as well as refinement of the scope or depth of workshops, seminars or subject-level analysis should institutional requirements evolve during delivery. Any such risks would be managed in accordance with the contract and applicable modification provisions.

Conflicts assessment prepared/revised

Yes


Procedure

Procedure type

Direct award

Direct award justification

Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights

QS are the devisers of their own QS World Rankings. Therefore, only QS have expert knowledge of how their rankings are compiled and have access to the unpublished data and peer benchmarking that is required to develop an evidence-driven rankings strategy to specifically improve QS performance.

QS are the only international rankings to offer an additional rating system allowing universities to showcase areas important to students not captured in traditional world rankings. Their unique QS Stars badges allow institutions to globally promote their strengths.


Supplier

QS QUACQUARELLI SYMONDS LIMITED

  • Companies House: 02563879
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYJD-2139-HPHM

1 Tranley Mews

London

NW3 2DG

United Kingdom

Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London

Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No

Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No

Contract 1. Consultancy services on HE ranking


Contracting authority

UNIVERSITY OF EAST ANGLIA

  • Companies House: RC000651
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCCY-8551-ZNDY

Norwich Research Park

Norwich

NR4 7TJ

United Kingdom

Region: UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government