SMS Service
- Bournemouth University
Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0598e8
Description
Bournemouth University ("BU" or the "University") has a requirement to replace its existing SMS solution which has reached end of life.
SMS messages are used as part of a multi-channel communication approach to engage with students. Approximately 35,000 messages are sent each year. Scenarios where SMS communication is used include the following:
• Automated messages to notify of timetable changes and cancellations
• Applicant interview details
• Appointment notifications and reminders
• Wellbeing and engagement contact
• Sports centre information and promotions
• Urgent alerts to university first-aiders
The replacement SMS service may include, but is not limited to, the features listed below:
Core Functionality
• Ability to convert email into SMS messages.
• Extract subject/body and trim to SMS character limits.
• Deliver to UK and international mobile phone numbers.
• Ability to create custom message templates.
• Replies matched to the originating outbound message and delivered to sender.
• Ability to prioritise messages and specifically send high-priority alerts.
Message Routing and Delivery
• Retry failed messages and report failures.
• Ability to schedule or delay delivery based on recipient time zone.
• Ability to schedule messages on an ad-hoc or recurring basis.
Logging and Reporting
• Maintain logs of all messages sent and received.
• Ability to view message stats, delivery success rates and errors.
Compliance and Security
• Potential to encrypt messages.
• Provide means for recipients to opt out of SMS communications.
• Ability to define retention periods for message history.
Integration
• Potential ability to integrate with other systems (e.g. case management, CRM).
Administration and Support
• Seamless access (preferably via Single Sign On) to system for message sending, receiving, managing users and viewing logs/reports.
• Notification of failed messages and gateway issues.
• Option to establish message quotas with notification when close to quota threshold.
• Defined service-level agreement for support.
Notices
UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice
- Notice identifier
- 2025/S 000-055962
- Published
- 11 September 2025, 4:46pm