Scope
Reference
T1121
Description
This pre market engagement is to scope potential suppliers interest for the provision of Merchant Services for processing, authorisation and settlement of the University's debit and credit transactions via all payment channels including customer present (Chip and PIN/contactless payments (including mobile wallets such as apple pay, google pay), customer not present (Mail Order / Telephone Order) and online (e-commerce).
The University is seeking to develop efficient and cost-effective merchant service arrangements which will be capable of meeting future market and technological changes, and which will meet, and often exceed, user expectations. It is looking for a relationship with an organisation which it can be confident will fulfil all the University's current and future requirements.
It is important that any potential acquiring partner can add value through an effective dedicated corporate support team backed up by a proactive education sector specialist Relationship Manager.
The following legal entities are involved in this tender:
University of Essex
University of Essex Campus Services Limited
This tender is for all merchant services activity for the University and its subsidiaries across all acceptance methods.
Total value (estimated)
- £3,500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 August 2026 to 9 August 2029
- Possible extension to 9 August 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 66172000 - Financial transaction processing and clearing-house services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 August 2025
Engagement process description
This pre market engagement is to scope interest from suppliers for the provision of Merchant Services for processing, authorisation and settlement of the University's debit and credit transactions via all payment channels including customer present (Chip and PIN/contactless payments (including mobile wallets such as apple pay, google pay), customer not present (Mail Order / Telephone Order) and online (e-commerce).
Please register your interest and provide some brief information in the first instance.
Please also feel free to ask questions/provide feedback on the draft specification.
The plan is to run a competitive flexible procedure procurement process for this requirement, with the next stage including a tender notice and a PSQ stage.
Further information will be provided as the procurement process progresses.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 September 2025
Contracting authority
University of Essex
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQBL-6931-JNGJ
Wivenhoe Park
Colchester
CO4 3SQ
United Kingdom
Email: procure@essex.ac.uk
Website: http://www.essex.ac.uk
Region: UKH34 - Essex Haven Gateway
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)