Online peer-to-peer and student-to-staff asynchronous chat platform, and virtual community platform

What this is

University of South Wales seeks a secure, scalable, cloud-based online peer-to-peer asynchronous chat platform with virtual community functionality. The solution must enable prospective students to engage with trained student ambassadors and staff through moderated messaging and discussion spaces, supporting the full applicant journey and integrating with UK higher-education admissions platforms.

Key points

• Tender deadline: 12 August 2026 at 12:00 PM; enquiry deadline: 7 August 2026 at 12:00 PM.
• Estimated value GBP 240,000 (excluding VAT) for a 3-year contract with optional 1-year extension.
• Open procedure with no specific eligibility restrictions stated; electronic submission required via Jaggaer portal.
• Award criteria emphasize Analytics/Reporting/Innovation (20%), Data Protection (15%), Implementation/Scalability/Performance (15%), and Price (30%).
• Solution must integrate with UK higher-education admissions ecosystem and support moderated peer-to-peer and staff-student messaging.
• Contract start date: 7 September 2026; award decision expected by 21 August 2026.

How it is scored

Quality 70% · Price 30% Integration and Interoperability (10%), Data Protection (15%), Implementation, Scalability, and Performance (15%), Analytics, Reporting, and Continuous Innovation (20%), Social value (10%), Total price (30%).

Money

Estimated contract value GBP 240,000 (excluding VAT); GBP 288,000 (including VAT).

Performance guarantee

No performance bond or guarantee requirements stated in the document.

How to submit

Electronic submission via https://etenderwales.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/home.html by 12 August 2026 at 12:00 PM. Submissions may be in Welsh or English.

Contract period

3 years from 7 September 2026 to 6 September 2029, with one optional 1-year extension (ending 5 September 2030).

Classification

CPV 72268000 — Software supply services WalesUKL15 - Central Valleys