Scope
Reference
MR25_009
Description
The University of Kent is procuring an enterprise-grade Generative AI platform to support teaching, learning, research, accessibility, and operational efficiency. The platform must provide a secure, institutionally governed AI environment; support student learning and staff productivity; reduce institutional risk; and enable scalable, compliant AI use across the university. Full details are available in the documentation. Due to the academic timetable, there are limited opportunities in the year to implement with a target date of approximately April 2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,000,000 excluding VAT
- £2,400,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 February 2026 to 1 April 2028
- Possible extension to 1 April 2031
- 5 years, 1 month, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
3 x 12 month extension options to be exercised at the Authority's discretion.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
nature of the solution is likely to evolve and change over the contract length and therefore the specification and deliverables are likely to change.
Main procurement category
Services
Additional procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UKJ4 - Kent
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Detailed in the PSQ that will be supplied at Preferred Bidder stage
Technical ability conditions of participation
Detailed in the RFP documentation including all legislatory and regulatory compliance.
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
16 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 80% |
| Commercial | Price | 20% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
To be explored through clarification with selected bidder.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The procedure is documented inside the Request for Proposal documentation.
Reduced tendering period
Yes
State of urgency - minimum 10 days
Documents
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
Contracting authority
University of Kent
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYN-9654-JPQJ
The Registry
Canterbury, Kent
CT2 7NZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ44 - East Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government