Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
The University of Keele
Procurement Office, Directorate of Finance, Innovation Centre 1, Keele University Science and Innovation Park,
Keele, Staffordshire
ST5 5NB
Contact
Darren Pearce
Telephone
+44 1782734124
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKG24 - Staffordshire CC
Companies House
Company number RC000655
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofkeele/aspx/Home
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
VEAT Notice Intention to award a 12-month extension to an existing public services contract for the provision of Prospective Student Engagement and Conversion Services for the University of Keele
Reference number
KU/289/LJE/CD/2020
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Intention to award a 12-month extension to an existing public services contract for the provision of Prospective Student Engagement and Conversion Services for the University of Keele.
The contract extension will cover the period 1st October 2024 to 30th September 2025.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £429,960
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKG24 - Staffordshire CC
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
During the 12 month extension period to the existing contract, the University will undertake an advertised competitive tendering process to award a new three-year contract for the provision of Prospective Student Engagement and Conversion Services commencing on 1st October 2025 and running until 30th September 2028.
The Contract Notice for the procurement of the new three-year contract will be published on the Find a Tender Service website no later than February 2025.
The University reserve the option to commercially appraise the benefit of bringing the existing service provision in-house.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated without a prior call for competition
- New works/services, constituting a repetition of existing works/services
Explanation:
UniQuest is unique in providing a thoughtful and tailored managed student conversion and engagement service for UK higher education institutions (HEIs) to improve the quality, quantity and diversity of both domestic and International students.
UniQuest is now supporting over 45 universities in the UK, Europe, and North America - consistently delivering YOY results to satisfied partners. UniQuest is best placed to continue to service Keele's prospective students across the student journey as proven in 2023 when Keele achieved the Best Enquiry Experience by utilising the services underpinned by UniQuest. UniQuest performs the services by utilising specialised technology, sector expertise from the people they employ to optimise the best student journey for Keele.
The 12 month extension to the existing contract will be carried out under a change control notice for the purpose of allowing the University to meet the critical need for continuity of service provision and enable time for the University to undertake an advertised competitive tendering process to award a new three-year contract for the provision of Prospective Student Engagement and Conversion Services commencing on 1st October 2025 and running until 30th September 2028.
The Contract Notice for the procurement of the new three-year contract will be published on the Find a Tender Service website no later than February 2025.
The University reserve the option to commercially appraise the benefit of bringing the existing service provision in-house.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract/concession
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
17 September 2024
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
Uni-Quest Limited
77 Sidney Street,
Sheffield, South Yorkshire
S1 4RG
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKE32 - Sheffield
Companies House
Company Number 08640061
Internet address
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £429,960
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
High Court of England and Wales
Royal Courts of Justice, Strand,
London
WCA2 2LL
Country
United Kingdom