Scope
Reference
SC14506-25
Description
GraphPad Prism is a specialised scientific software platform used extensively across the University of Birmingham since around 2019, particularly within the Colleges of Engineering and Physical Sciences (EPS), Life and Environmental Sciences (LES) and Medical and Dental Sciences (CMH). It is widely adopted for its powerful capabilities in statistical analysis, curve fitting and scientific graphing, supporting both teaching and research activities.
The software combines robust biostatistics tools with publication-quality graphing features, enabling users to perform complex analyses without requiring programming knowledge. Prism supports a range of statistical tests, including t-tests, ANOVA, nonparametric comparisons and survival analysis, and offers intuitive data organisation through its structured data tables and analysis workflows. This renewal will ensure continued access to essential analytical tools, software updates and technical support, allowing researchers and students to maintain high standards of scientific rigour and reproducibility.
Given the University's broad and long-standing use of GraphPad Prism, renewing the licence is vital to sustaining research excellence and supporting ongoing academic and scientific initiatives.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- 166400 USD including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
5 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 19 November 2025 to 18 November 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 48100000 - Industry specific software package
Contract locations
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
The University of Birmingham has chosen to continue sourcing GraphPad Prism directly from its sole provider, GraphPad Software LLC, due to the proprietary nature of the software and the comprehensive support services offered exclusively by the vendor. GraphPad Prism is a specialised statistical and graphing software platform that is deeply embedded in research and teaching workflows across the Colleges of EPS, CMH and LES.
GraphPad Software is the only supplier of Prism licenses and associated support services. Their subscription plans include access to both Windows and Mac versions, automatic updates, online license management and technical support for installation and activation. Enterprise-level plans also offer advanced features such as machine learning techniques (e.g. hierarchical and k-means clustering), Dotmatics Luma integration for unified data workflows and Prism Cloud collaboration tools.
Switching to an alternative vendor would not only disrupt ongoing research and teaching activities but also result in the loss of unique analytical capabilities and integrations that are exclusive to Prism. These include one-click regression analysis, automated survival analysis tables and real-time graph updates. All of which are critical to the scientific work conducted at the University.
Furthermore, Prism's licensing model supports flexible deployment across individual and group environments, with features such as Single Sign-On (SSO), user provisioning (SCIM) and virtual desktop support for enterprise users. These capabilities are essential for managing software access across large academic teams and cannot be replicated by other providers.
Given the University's long-standing investment in GraphPad Prism and its strategic importance to research and education, a direct award is justified to ensure continuity, minimise risk and maintain access to the proprietary features and support services that only GraphPad Software can provide.
Supplier
GraphPad Software, LLC
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PGGL-9493-PMMR
225 Franklin St. Flr#26
Boston
02210
United States
Email: support@graphpad.com
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