Scope
Description
Oak National Academy has awarded a contract to TheBigWord Group Limited for the provision of British Sign Language (BSL) video translation services. The contract covers the translation of 135 Key Stage 1 curriculum lessons (11 Maths and 124 English) into BSL to enhance accessibility for children with visual impairments or those not yet able to read captions. This is a time-limited accessibility initiative aligning with Oak's statutory duties.
The contract has been awarded under Schedule 5, Paragraph 10 of the Procurement Act 2023 (technical or interoperability grounds), as the supplier offers a unique technical solution through its exclusive integration with Signapse, an AI-driven translation provider. This partnership enables BSL video production at £6.10 per minute-down from a typical market rate of £22.00-delivering significant value for money.
The contract is valued at £23,848 (inc. VAT) and will run from 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2025. The supplier was previously engaged under CCS framework RM6141, and this new contract continues the same pricing and service model following the framework's expiry. No other provider offers the same combination of integration, AI capability, and cost efficiency.
This award is compliant with section 50 and Regulation 28 of the Procurement Regulations 2024. A Contract Award Notice is required and has been issued accordingly. No standstill period is required as the contract is below threshold.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £19,873 excluding VAT
- £23,848 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
1 May 2025
Contract dates
- 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2025
- 2 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79530000 - Translation services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Supplier
TheBigWord Group Limited
Brainworks, Unit 4, Royds Close, Lower Wortley,
Leeds
LS12 6LL
United Kingdom
Email: enquiries@thebigword.com
Region: UKE42 - Leeds
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
OAK NATIONAL ACADEMY LIMITED
- Companies House: 14174888
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWYQ-7722-NDVX
1 Scott Place
Manchester
M3 3AA
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - central government