Scope
Reference
C390376
Description
This is a three-year contract between the UKHSA and Jisc Services Ltd (Jisc) to provide access to the Web of Science Platform, an online research database developed and maintained by Clarivate Analytics (UK) Limited.
The Web of Science Platform offers a comprehensive collection of scientific literature and citation data. It supports academic research, analysis, and referencing across a wide range of disciplines.
Contract 1. Web of Science Platform 2025-2028
Supplier
Contract value
- £120,810 excluding VAT
- £144,972 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 21 November 2025 to 30 September 2028
- 2 years, 10 months, 10 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79980000 - Subscription services
- 72260000 - Software-related services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
UKHSA requires continued access to the Clarivate Web of Science Platform, which provides authoritative citation databases essential for fulfilling statutory public health research and analytical functions. UKHSA intends to award a three-year contract to Jisc Services Ltd in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023, which permits direct awards under specific conditions. The total contract value is £120,810 excluding VAT (£144,972 including VAT).
The Web of Science Platform is developed and owned by Clarivate Analytics (UK) Limited and incorporates proprietary intellectual property, including its unique citation indexing methodology and comprehensive research data. These features are not available from any other supplier, resulting in a single-source scenario. No alternative solution exists that meets UKHSA's statutory requirements for evidence-based research and analysis.
Access to the platform for UK public sector and research institutions is exclusively available via Jisc, which acts as the sole intermediary under a long-standing national arrangement.
The justification for direct award is made in accordance with Schedule 5 of the Procurement Act 2023, specifically paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b), which state:
(a) The required goods, services, or works are protected by intellectual property rights, and
(b) Only the identified supplier can lawfully provide them, and no reasonable alternatives exist.
This direct award ensures continuity of access to a critical research infrastructure and enables UKHSA to meet its statutory obligations without disruption.
Supplier
Jisc Services limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZZC-9926-PRNM
4 Portwall Lane
Bristol
BS1 6NB
United Kingdom
Email: help@jisc.ac.uk
Region: UKK11 - Bristol, City of
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Web of Science Platform 2025-2028
Contracting authority
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care acting as part of the Crown through UK Health Security Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBMQ-7576-DVGW
10 South Colonnade
London
E14 4PU
United Kingdom
Email: procurementnotices@ukhsa.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government