Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
University of the Highlands and Islands
UHI House, Old Perth Road
Inverness
IV2 3JH
Telephone
+44 1463255000
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00101
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
Provision of an Integrated Student Admissions Solution
Reference number
CS-UHI-26081
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72212445 - Customer Relation Management software development services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The University of the Highlands and Islands have a requirement for the Provision of an Integrated Student Admissions Solution for all Academic Partners of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
It should be noted that this requirement is being procured by the University of the Highlands and Islands, on behalf of all UHI Academic Partners.
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: £348,420
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
- 72212445 - Customer Relation Management software development services
- 72212517 - IT software development services
- 73220000 - Development consultancy services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The University of the Highlands and Islands, on behalf of the UHI Academic Partnership, have a requirement for a Contractor to enhance the Tribal SITS: Vision system, which has been implemented at the University. It is proposed that this development is split into two Phases. Phase One involves:
- development of online application form template
- development of applicant portal template
- development of online application form for direct applications with dual-language capabilities
- development of applicant portal: core functionality and integration with admissions staff processes
- clearing on the internet
- review and enhancement of integration between SITS and Microsoft Dynamics (Stutalk)
- planning for future admissions office improvements
Phase Two involves:
- Improved automation within admissions staff
processes and functionality
- Improved admissions data maintenance tools
- Shopping Cart for CPD Courses selection and
payment
- Applicant Portal Enhanced Features and
Additional Processes
- Early Life Support and fine tuning
- Annual Cycle Rollover
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
The scope of work in Phase One and Phase Two (if extension applied), may be subject to change (within stated budget for each Phase).
It is proposed that the cost of Phase One shall be roughly 170,000 GBP (excluding VAT), whilst for Phase Two, it is proposed that the cost shall be roughly 180,000 GBP (excluding VAT).
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
The University previously undertook a tender exercise for the Provision of an Integrated Student Admissions System, in July 2023. However, this tender exercise was cancelled (one submission exceeded the budget, whilst another submission, within budget, was deemed to be unsuitable). Thereafter, the University explored the use of a Framework Agreement to purchase a module which could be added to the University’s Student Records System. After a demonstration and discussion, the quoted cost exceeded the budget of the University.
Consequently, the University decided an alternative route could be the development of the University’s existing Student Records System. As a result of cost, the University are unable to afford an Integrated Student Admissions System, or a new module to be implemented by the University’s incumbent supplier of the Student Records System. Therefore, it was deemed appropriate to discuss possible deliverables to the existing Student Records System. The University performed a search for ‘Tribal SITS Integration Consultancy’ on the G-Cloud 13 Framework Agreement, which resulted in one supplier being listed. This supplier was ‘Stu3 Limited’. As a result, the University believe there is only one supplier who possesses the capability to deliver consultancy work, with regard to the development of SITS: Vision.
Moreover, the University has a requirement for a solution to be implemented for September 2024. In order to meet the September 2024 deadline, service delivery needs to commence at the start of January 2024. As a result of specialism and time constraints, a Direct Award is deemed to be a necessary approach.
Therefore, this VEAT Notice has been published to present the intention of UHI to enter directly into a contract with Stu3 Limited, in accordance with Regulation 33 (1) (b) (ii) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.
The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason: absence of competition for technical reasons.
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
Contract No
CS-UHI-26081
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
11 December 2023
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
Stu3 Ltd
93 Elers Road
London
W13 9QE
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
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: £348,420
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=752944.
(SC Ref:752944)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Inverness Sheriff and Justice of the Peace Court
Inverness
IV1 1AH
Country
United Kingdom