Scope
Description
The University of Birmingham intends to enter into a temporary contract with RAK Bank (United Arab Emirates) to provide an online student fee payment solution for its Dubai campus. This service will enable students to make tuition payments via card through RAK Bank's online payment platform, Skiply.
The contract is expected to run for a period sufficient to cover the interim period until a full competitive tender process is completed and a new long-term provider is appointed. The estimated annual value of the contract is approximately £260,000, based on a conservative assumption that 75% of students will use this payment method.
This temporary arrangement will ensure continuity of service for students and the University's finance operations while the University prepares to go to market for a comprehensive online payment solution covering both UK and Dubai campuses. The full tender is anticipated to be issued later in 2025 or early 2026, with a new contract in place by July 2026.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £260,000 excluding VAT
- £260,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
25 July 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 66115000 - International payment transfer services
Contract locations
- AE - United Arab Emirates
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Switching to direct award
TheUniversity requires an immediate and reliable solution to support student fee payments for the upcoming academic year. Following a competitive market engagement within the UAE,and receiving presentations from 5 potential suppliers, RAK Bank's Skiply platform has been identified as a suitable local payment solution that can be implemented on a 9 month interim basis, without delay, providing the University with an open link for student payments and allowing for the import and export of data detailing outstanding student fee balances and payments received without having to build integrations with our existing finance and student registration systems.
This is a short-term, transitional arrangement designed to bridge the gap until a full procurement process is completed. The University is committed to running a ,competitive tender for its global online payment pathways, The direct award to RAK Bank is therefore a pragmatic and proportionate response to an immediate operational need.
Supplier
National Bank of Ras Al Khaima P.S.C
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMJC-6737-DZJJ
RAKBANK HQ, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road, Exit 129
Ras Al Khaima
5300
United Arab Emirates
Email: kumar.jaisingh@rakbank.ae
Website: https://rakbank.ae
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM
- Companies House: RC000645
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCQ-3464-LVTM
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 2TT
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@bham.ac.uk
Website: http://www.birmingham.ac.uk
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government