UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

We are seeking to engage with the market to inform the development of a future procurement for an Integrated Maintenance and Workplace Services (IMWS) system. This system will support a wide range of estates and facilities management functions, including helpdesk operations, asset and space management, planned maintenance, compliance, and contractor coordination. The purpose of this engagement is to gather insights from suppliers on the feasibility, innovation, and delivery models available in the market. We invite responses from experienced providers with proven capabilities in delivering integrated digital solutions for complex estates, ideally within the UK Higher Education or similar sectors. This document outlines the high-level functional and technical requirements to help suppliers assess alignment with their offerings and provide informed feedback.

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.

Bournemouth University (“BU” or the “University”) requires the services of a supplier to provide a supply of a Mass Communication System (MCS). The successful supplier will be required to work with BU to implement a MCS in response to the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025, also known as Martyn’s Law, which mandates enhanced emergency preparedness for institutions with large public footfall. As an Enhanced Tier institution, BU must deploy a system capable of delivering real-time alerts across all campuses by February 2027 to remain compliant and avoid significant financial penalties. The proposed MCS will support emergency communication, operational safety, and business continuity, while also offering potential for broader use in events, student engagement, and internal messaging.

This is a preliminary market engagement exercise. Bournemouth University operates a large and complex estate, comprising a variety of academic teaching and study facilities, including laboratories, libraries, lecture theatres, sports, residential student accommodations, cafeterias, staff offices, nursey accommodations, chaplaincy, meeting rooms and social entertainment venues. Our primary sites are Talbot Campus (BH12 5BB) and Lansdown Campus (BH8 8GP). Talbot Campus provides study, office, sports, leisure, canteen and residential student accommodations. Lansdown Campus does not provide residential accommodations, however does include specialist medical facilities and The Old Fire Station (BH8 8AD) social entertainment venue. BU benefits from a Sports Campus, Chapel Gate (BH23 6BL) which includes indoor and outdoor sporting facilities, club-house/bar, day-time nursery offices and storage. BU also benefits from its satellite sites, which provide study and office accommodations in Portsmouth (PO6 3EN) and Yeovil (BA20 2DN). (Yeovil Campus will close 2027). BU is looking at the potential scope and requirements for the future maintenance and repairs of fire alarms, intruder alarms, panic alarms and CCTV, including minor upgrades and new systems where required, to BU’s existing sites throughout Dorset, Hampshire and Somerset. Ensuring the reliability and full regulatory compliance of BU fire detections, security and surveillance systems is essential to safeguarding life, property and business continuity and enhancing student experience. The servicing, maintenance, repair and upgrade of each safety and security system must be in full accordance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, to ensure continuous operational functionality, efficiency, resilience and reliability. The proposed proactive maintenance and upgrade regime shall reduce risks, minimise disruption, extend equipment lifespan, enable the phased introduction of minor upgrades and new (open protocol) system technologies. It shall enhance the safety of students, staff and visitors and heighten security throughout the BU community.

Bournemouth University (BU) requires the services of a cleaning contractor to ensure its estate is cleaned and serviced to a high standard for the benefit of the students, staff, visitors and affiliates on a 24-hour, 365 days a year basis. BU’s core objectives for the Contract are as follows:  • High-level customer service, and overall high levels of cleanliness across the BU estate • Safety and wellbeing of students, staff, affiliates, and members of the public, as well as all visitors to BU premises  • Prevention of disease and bacterial spread across or throughout BU’s estate  • Minimising changes in Contractor personnel, both operatives and in the contract management team  • Continuity of service including absence cover  • Increasing focus on environmental and social sustainability throughout the supply chain  • Adoption and deployment of technology-based solutions  • Continued innovation and adoption of industry best practice • Cost savings and Value for Money delivered throughout the duration of the Contract  • Appointed Supplier to act as an extension of the BU Estates team and report any accidents, incidences, near misses and estate maintenance defects observed by staff . The contract commencement date is 01 October 2026. The Contract term will be 10 (ten) years but will incorporate a 6 (six) month break clause that the University can choose to invoke at any time, for any reason. This means that the University can choose to end the Contract early, after the 6 (six) month notice period has passed.

Bournemouth University (“BU” or the “University”) requires the services of a supplier for supply and implementation of a comprehensive Timetabling and Scheduling Solution, which is innovative, scalable, and user-friendly. The new system should cater to the unique requirements of higher education institutions, ensuring compliance with relevant SaaS data security and accessibility regulations. The key objectives of the solution are to: • Prioritise the enhancement of student experience and wellbeing. • Improve data management and reporting. • Ensure a seamless transition with minimal disruption. • Extend access to devolved users for specified tasks. • Offer robust integration with existing systems using modern integration mechanisms such as secure, standards-based APIs. • Achieve condensed timetables to attract students who commute or work around their studies. • Accommodate teaching staff with part-time hours and other approved restrictions. The new solution should not only meet all current functional needs but also provide the flexibility to rapidly adapt to future changes in BU’s curriculum and delivery approach.

The University is carrying out a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise for Catering Services. This will inform the tender to appoint a professional and experienced catering contractor capable of delivering a student-focused, high-quality and innovative catering and hospitality service. The student experience is central to the University’s mission, and the successful contractor will be expected to provide a sector-leading service that promotes and prioritises a campus-first experience and improves overall student satisfaction.

This is a pre-market engagement exercise. Bournemouth University is looking at its requirement for an internal auditor to provide independent assurance on the adequacy and effectiveness of governance, risk management, and internal controls across the University, including compliance with regulatory requirements. The Supplier would recommend improvements, informed by sector best practice, and deliver insights that help optimise resources and enhance efficiency. In addition, the Supplier would support the University in strengthening processes and controls through actionable recommendations, enhancing assurance and building confidence among the Board, Audit, Risk and Governance Committee, and senior management. The University is looking to engage with the supply market for the purposes of: *Identifying suppliers that may be able to supply the goods, services or works required; *Building capacity among suppliers in relation to the contract being awarded.

Bournemouth University ("BU") is issuing this prior information notice to invite companies to participate in the market engagement event in support of the University upcoming requirements for the provision of cleaning services. This notice, in line with the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, initiates a non-binding request for the information stage, intended to gauge market interest only. The provision of these services will relate to works carried out on all Bournemouth University Estates across its property portfolio within the region.Bournemouth University would like to invite interested parties to attend a market engagement event to be held via MS Teams on Thursday 11th July from 10 am until 11:30 am. The event will consist of a remote briefing providing you with an outline of the opportunity. Please see below for details on how to submit an expression of interest (EOI).

Bournemouth University is seeking expressions of interest from providers for student accommodation services, aiming to secure around 1,200 beds by 2026. This initial, non-binding request seeks market feedback on innovative accommodation solutions, focusing on affordable rent management and a supportive student community. Providers should consider flexible contract terms, high health and safety standards, and comprehensive maintenance strategies. While the University is open to both new and existing accommodation ideas, it cannot fund new constructions. This notice serves as a preliminary market consultation, not a commitment to a procurement process, inviting providers to submit expressions of interest in accordance with this PIN's requirements.The deadline for the first round of expressions of interest will be 16:00 on the 5th February 2024.