26-34 Data Studio · UK public procurement notice

The University undertook a preliminary market assessment to identify suppliers capable of meeting its academic and operational requirements. This process included engagement with peer Higher Education Institutions to understand current market provision, supplier selection rationale, and user experience, alongside direct consideration of alternative suppliers and their respective service offerings.

Following this assessment, Bloomberg was identified as the only supplier capable of delivering the specific combination of functionality, content, industry-recognised platform capabilities, and educational resources required to support the University's current objectives. No alternative supplier was found to offer an equivalent solution that fully meets the University's requirements.

Given the specialist nature of the requirement and the University's limited historical usage data in this area, the University intends to enter into a two-year contract. This initial term will enable the University to evaluate utilisation levels, assess stakeholder and student demand, and measure the educational and operational benefits derived from the service.

The arrangement will also allow the University to further develop its understanding of future requirements and establish a robust business case for longer-term provision. The information gathered during the contract period will be used to inform the specification, procurement strategy, and evaluation criteria for a future competitive procurement exercise, should an ongoing requirement be identified.