Planning

Online Learning at Sussex

  • UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX(THE)

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-061725

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0522d3 (view related notices)

Published 2 October 2025, 1:48pm



Scope

Reference

US_25021

Description

The University of Sussex (Sussex) is preparing to seek a partner for the provision of Online Programme Management (OPM) Services, with the current contract set to expire on 5 October 2027 and the new contract commencing on 6 October 2027.

Under the existing arrangement, Sussex has collaborated with a partner to deliver a portfolio of Masters-level degree courses accessible to students both nationally and internationally via online distance learning.

The current contract encompasses a range of services across three core areas.

• Marketing and Recruitment: Market Research and Strategy, Lead Generation, Inquiry Management, Admissions Support, Application Processing, Reporting and Analysis.

• Course Development and Delivery Model: Course Design and Development, Content Creation, Platform Integration, Technical Support, Continuous Improvement, Compliance and Reporting.

• Student Support: Induction and Orientation, Ongoing Support, Monitoring and Communication, Reporting.

As the end of the current collaboration approaches, Sussex is actively reviewing its strategy for online learning. The University's strategic aims are to establish a sustainable, high-quality online provision aligned with the University's strategic priorities, enhancing our institutional reputation globally. The provision will be future-ready in terms of modularity, flexibility, and compliance with regulatory frameworks such as the Lifelong Learning Entitlement.

Further details regarding this engagement are available in the Instruction Document, which can be accessed via the e-sourcing portal, Proactis:

https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/account/login

While participation in this engagement is not mandatory for involvement in any future procurement process, responses received will help inform the Contracting Authority about the level of market interest. Additionally, feedback from this engagement may help shape the final service requirements and inform the design of the forthcoming procurement strategy, ensuring it reflects both institutional priorities and sector best practice.

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 6 October 2027 to 5 October 2037
  • 10 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 75121000 - Administrative educational services

Contract locations

  • UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex

Engagement

Engagement deadline

31 December 2025

Engagement process description

The purpose of this engagement is for Sussex to gauge potential interest and obtain information from the market which will help inform and shape its service requirements.

Further details regarding this engagement are available in the Instruction Document, which can be accessed via the e-sourcing portal, Proactis:

https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/account/login

Should you experience any difficulties registering or accessing the portal, please contact the Proactis helpdesk using the link below:

https://suppliersupport.proactisservicedesk.com

The initial stage of the engagement asks interested parties to complete an online questionnaire on or before 23 October 2025 at 10.00am.

Please note the engagement period end date has been set as end of December 2025 to allow for the possibility of the further engagement which will be coordinated through the e-sourcing portal, Proactis.


Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

31 March 2026


Contracting authority

UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX(THE)

  • Companies House: RC000672
  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVT-1568-HWWM

Sussex House

Falmer, Brighton

BN1 9RH

United Kingdom

Region: UKJ21 - Brighton and Hove

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government