Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Abertay University
Bell Street
Dundee
DD1 1HG
UK
Telephone: +44 1382308995
E-mail: procurement@abertay.ac.uk
NUTS: UK
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.abertay.ac.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00103
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Education
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Multichannel Advertising & SEO Agency for Student Recruitment
Reference number: 038-AU-PRO-2425
II.1.2) Main CPV code
79341000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Abertay University seeks a strategic agency partner with extensive expertise in multichannel advertising and search engine optimisation (SEO) to support and enhance student recruitment for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The selected agency will be expected to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven strategy that increases the university’s visibility, engagement, and conversion rates across key target markets in Scotland, the rest of the UK, and internationally.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
1 260 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
79340000
79341100
79341200
79341400
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM71
Main site or place of performance:
Bell Street, Dundee
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The selected agency will be expected to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven strategy that increases the university’s visibility, engagement, and conversion rates across key target markets in Scotland, the rest of the UK, and internationally
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The University shall have the option to extend the contract for up to two additional periods of two years each, following the initial three-year term. Where the option to extend is exercised, the University shall be entitled to terminate the contract at any time during the ex-tended period upon giving the Tenderer three months’ notice in writing of its intention to terminate the contract.
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
No
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions:
Bidders must be suitably qualified to pursue the professional activity in question. As such, the following conditions apply:
The bidder must demonstrate compliance with relevant advertising regulations and codes of practice applicable in the UK.
Membership of, or compliance with, the following regulatory bodies and codes will be considered evidence of suitability:
Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) – the UK’s independent regulator for advertising across all media. Bidders must adhere to rulings and guidance issued by the ASA.
Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) – the body responsible for writing the UK Advertising Codes. Bidders must comply with the CAP Code and demonstrate knowledge and application of these rules in the planning and delivery of advertising campaigns.
Evidence of compliance may include relevant accreditations, previous experience aligning with ASA/CAP requirements, or confirmation of internal governance mechanisms to ensure regulatory adherence.
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria:
As detailed in the Qualification Envelop and Evaluation document within PCS-T suppliers documents
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria:
As detailed in the Qualification Envelop and Evaluation document within PCS-T suppliers documents
III.2) Conditions related to the contract
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
28/04/2025
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 3 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date:
28/04/2025
Local time: 13:00
Place:
Kydd Building, 40 Bell Street, Dundee, DD1 1HG
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
VI.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 28923. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
Abertay University is committed to delivering positive social and eco-nomic impact through its procurement activities. As part of this contract, the appointed agency is expected to contribute to community benefits, particularly in the areas of education, digital skills development, and employability within Dundee and the wider region.
The agency must outline any previous initiatives undertaken that have supported community benefits, as well as plans for ongoing and future contributions. This may include providing training or mentorship opportunities in digital marketing, SEO, and media advertising for students or local job seekers, offering work experience placements or internships, supporting community-based digital literacy projects, or engaging with local businesses and organisations to enhance marketing capabilities.
The successful agency will be expected to work in alignment with Abertay University’s commitment to fostering skills development and employability, ensuring that their work contributes positively to the local community. Proposals should demonstrate a clear strategy for delivering measurable community benefits throughout the duration of the contract.
(SC Ref:794617)
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Dundee Sheriff Court
6 West Bell Street
Dundee
DD1 9AD
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
27/03/2025