Provision of a 'Student SuperApp' including design, implementation and support services

Concepts

• southampton
• software package
• consultancy services
• students
• the best university student apps
• a student information application
• design
• designed
• superapp
• student

Location

Southampton, Hampshire, UK

Description

MySouthampton is an app designed to meet the needs of (principally) students for 'information and services on the go'. Primarily designed for use on mobile devices, the app also presents on desktop. As part of the University's digital transformation programme, we seek to procure an upgrade/replacement for the current app that will provide users with enhanced features, performance and user experience. The primary user group for the app will be University of Southampton students. We currently have 24,000 students and this number might be expected to grow by 4% a year over the period of the contract, reaching perhaps 28,000 by April 2028.

Total Quantity or Scope

The current MySouthampton app achieved approximately 500,000 menu clicks from users in the month of January 2024. Figures for unique users are not available. The use of the term 'SuperApp' represents a working title and is indicative of our ambition; that the new MySouthampton app should be best-in-class, creating a compelling user experience with features and content to rival the best University student apps currently available. High availability and performance are considered crucial for adoption of the app, and for it to become an indispensable tool for students at the University. The University is tendering to secure a partner to design, implement and support a student information application. Procurement Process: This procurement process is being conducted as an Open Procedure. Contract Period: The University proposes to enter into a Contract for seven (7) years - this will be the maximum contract period, including any potential extensions with the successful tenderer(s). This will comprise of an initial contract period of 4 years with an option to extend by a further three twelve (12) month periods up to 31st July 2031 subject to satisfactory performance and at the discretion of the University. Contract Value: The estimated value of the initial 4 (four) -year contract term is in the region of £500,000 - £1,000,000 GBP (excluding VAT). The total estimated value of the three 12 month extension periods is £100,000 - £300,000 GBP (excluding VAT). It is estimated, therefore, that the total value of this contract will be between £500,000 and £1,300,000 GBP (excluding VAT). All figures stated cover the full contract term, to support the University if it takes the options to extend past the initial term and is provided as a range, the final figure is dependent on the level of design and customisation required to meet the University's requirements as per Tendered solutions.

Renewal Options

This contract is likely to be subject to renewal towards the end of this contract period.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 48000000 - Software package and information systems
• 48190000 - Educational software package
• 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Financial restrictions apply.
• Professional qualifications are sought.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

Lots: This contract is NOT suitable for splitting into lots. The risk of dividing the requirement into Lots would render the execution of the contract excessively technically difficult, not cost effective and would undermine proper execution of the contract. E-Tendering Portal: The University is utilising an electronic tendering tool, In-Tend (https://in-tendhost.co.uk/universityofsouthampton/aspx/Home) to manage this procurement and to communicate with potential suppliers and/or tenderers (as appropriate). All documentation in relation to this tender can be downloaded from In-Tend. Potential suppliers/tenderers are advised that there will be no hard copy documents issued and all communications with the University, including the submission of Selection Stage and/or Invitation to Tender responses will be conducted via In-Tend. Regular monitoring of the portal is the responsibility of the potential supplier/tenderer. If you are not already registered as a supplier with the University of Southampton, you will need to register in In-Tend in order to access the procurement documentation. Once you have logged in as a supplier: click on 'Tenders'; locate the relevant project; and click 'View Details'. Once you are in the project screen, you will be able to register your organisation against the project and access all documentation by clicking 'Express Interest'. Potential suppliers/tenderers are advised that formal expressions of interest in the project must be by way of completion and return of the relevant documents via In-Tend. Further instructions for the submission of responses are below: To submit your return: 1. Log in 2. Click 'Tenders' 3. Locate the relevant project 4. View details 5. Click on the tab relating to the relevant project stage (e.g. 'Invitation to Tender') 6. Click on the 'Attach Documents' button and upload your return. 7. Check ALL your response documents are uploaded and displayed in the 'My Tender Return' panel. The system will only permit your organisation to make one return. 8. Click the red 'Submit Return' button. Please note, to preserve the integrity of the procurement, all communications with the University must be made via the correspondence function within In-Tend. Publication of Award Details: In accordance with Regulation 50, paragraph (2) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and subject to Article 5 and Annex 5, Part D (13) of Directive 2014/24/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council (if applicable), the University intends to publish the value of any resulting contract at the award stage, and reserves the right to do so. By submitting a response, potential suppliers/tenderers are consenting to publication of this information unless otherwise agreed in advance with the University. Costs and Expenses: Potential suppliers/tenderers are solely responsible for their costs and expenses incurred in connection with the preparation and submission of responses and participation in this and all future stages of this procurement. Under no circumstances will the University be liable for any costs or expenses borne by potential suppliers/tenderers or any of their supply chain, partners or advisers in this procurement process. The University is not liable for any costs in the event of the cancellation of this procurement process.