Scope
Description
The Open University is seeking to establish framework agreement with one supplier for the provision of B2B Public Relations, to the Business Development Unit.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £789,189.33 excluding VAT
- £947,027 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 1 August 2027
- Possible extension to 1 August 2029
- 3 years, 6 months, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
The framework may be extended by a maximum of two periods of twelve months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79416000 - Public relations services
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
1
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The framework operates on a retainer model with Statement of Works to cover individual campaigns
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Submission
Enquiry deadline
10 July 2025, 1:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
18 July 2025, 1:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
- Welsh
- English
Award decision date (estimated)
17 November 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | The ITT award criteria are split 70% Quality and 30% Cost. The Presentation is scored out of 100% The final award criteria are Quality and Cost 60% and Presentation 40% |
Price |
Weighting description
The ITT award criteria are split 70% Quality and 30% Cost.
The Presentation is scored out of 100%
The final award criteria are Quality and Cost 60% and Presentation 40%
Other information
Payment terms
Within 30 days of receipt of a valid invoice
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
This is a multi-stage tender.
Firstly we would like bidders to respond to the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.
Following this, the top five ranked bidders will be invited to participate in the ITT.
Following the ITT evaluation, the top three ranked bidders will be invited to present to the OU.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/openuniversity/aspx/Home
The tender documents can be accessed via the link to the Open Universities tendering portal
Contracting authority
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
- Charity Commission (England and Wales): RC000391
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
MK7 6AA
United Kingdom
Email: finance-tenders@open.ac.uk
Region: UKJ12 - Milton Keynes
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government