Scope
Reference
OUPA11164
Description
The Open University (OU) is seeking a Technology Partner(s) (TP) to provide resource with the comprehensive technical and non-technical expertise required to support and deliver its objectives in two main areas, lotted accordingly.
• Lot 1 Run and Maintain: ensuring the stability, security, and continuous improvement of our IT infrastructure and applications.
• Lot 2 Moodle Specialist: technology skills to support the OU's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Open Learn environment.
The OU are looking to award one contract for each Lot to one or more suppliers, if both lots are awarded to a single supplier two contracts will be issued.
Each contract will be for an initial term of five (5) years, with the option to extend for up to an additional five (5), giving a potential total contract term of up to ten (10) years per Lot.
The following sets out the maximum, capped contract value per Lot across the initial term (5 years), with no minimum commitment:
• Lot 1 Run and Maintain: Up to £50 million
• Lot 2 Moodle Specialist: up to £5 million
The Extension options per Lot will be capped at the same value as the Initial term with no minimum commitment:
• Lot 1 Run and Maintain: Up to an additional £50 million
• Lot 2 Moodle Specialist: Up to an additional £5 million
Giving a total contract value, including all possible extension options of:
• Lot 1 Run and Maintain: Up to £100 million
• Lot 2 Moodle Specialist: Up to £10 million
Total value (estimated)
- £91,666,666 excluding VAT
- £110,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2031
- Possible extension to 28 February 2036
- 9 years, 11 months, 28 days
Description of possible extension:
Potential extension up to 5 years (undefined increments).
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72220000 - Systems and technical consultancy services
- 72222200 - Information systems or technology planning services
- 72222300 - Information technology services
- 72260000 - Software-related services
- 72261000 - Software support services
- 72262000 - Software development services
- 72265000 - Software configuration services
- 72267100 - Maintenance of information technology software
- 72267200 - Repair of information technology software
- 72268000 - Software supply services
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
Each Lot will be evaluated individually, both Lots could be awarded to a single supplier subject to them being the top scoring bidder on both Lots.
Lot 1. Run and Maintain
Description
Ensuring the stability, security, and continuous improvement of our IT infrastructure and applications.
Lot value (estimated)
- £83,333,333 excluding VAT
- £100,000,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Moodle Specialist
Description
Technology skills to support the OU's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Open Learn environment.
Lot value (estimated)
- £8,333,333 excluding VAT
- £10,000,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Run and Maintain
Lot 2. Moodle Specialist
Minimum turnover based on contract value
Commitment to have Employer, Product and Professional insurance in place for contract start
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Run and Maintain
Lot 2. Moodle Specialist
Bidders will have 3 case studies evaluated for technical and professional ability, alongside security requirements ISO27001 / Cyber Essentials Plus or equivalent
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 August 2025, 11:00am
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
5 September 2025, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Suppliers to be invited to tender
Lot 1. Run and Maintain
Lot 2. Moodle Specialist
6 suppliers per lot
Award decision date (estimated)
16 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Service Management, Technical Merit - Moodle, Sustainability and RP |
Quality | 60% |
| Price | Pricing Scenario, Rate Card, Rebate |
Price | 30% |
| Face to Face Evaluation | Building Partnership, Mobilisation, Learning Culture, Commercial Integrity & Shared Values |
Quality | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The Open University (the "OU") is seeking to establish a contract with one or more supplier(s) for the provision of technical resource to support the OU and its suppliers in its activities in two main areas, lotted accordingly.
Lot 1 Run and Maintain ensuring the stability, security, and continuous improvement of our IT infrastructure and applications.
Lot 2 Moodle Specialist technology skills to support the OU's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and Open Learn environment.
The Competitive Flexible Procedure will consist of three stages, with a shortlisting of suppliers following evaluation of Stage 1 and Stage 2:
Stage 1 PSQ (shortlist to 6 bidders per Lot)
Stage 2 Invitation to Tender (shortlist to 3 bidders per Lot)
Stage 3 Face to Face Evaluation
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/openuniversity
The tender documents can be accessed via the link to the Open University's e-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