| Date |
|---|
| 20th March 2026 |
We’re pleased to announce the launch of the new iteration of Software Licences Reseller & Consulting Services Framework (SLRA). The retendered agreement provides a compliant route for universities and other public sector organisation to purchase Software and Associated Services.
This new framework was tendered under PCR15 regulations and offers a cost-effective procurement option, giving access to 12 suppliers across 5 core lots, all with extensive experience in servicing the HE sector.
The agreement will run for a two-year period from 23 March 2026 with a permissible extension through to 23 March 2030, if invoked.
The agreement is open to all SUPC members, as well as those from the following consortia:
- Higher Education Purchasing Consortium, Wales (HEPCW)
- London Universities Purchasing Consortium (LUPC)
- Northeast Universities Purchasing Consortium (NEUPC)
- Northwest Universities Purchasing Consortium (NWUPC)
- Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC)
- Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC)
What are the main changes from the previous agreement?
- More services – we’ve included Strategic Asset Management and Cyber Security services as additional lots on the framework.
- Greater focus around SRM – a greater focus around SRM with an emphasis on strategic partnerships more than transactional supplier relationships, enabling a better offering and cost savings to member institutions.
What are the benefits of using the SLRA framework?
- Procurement efficiency – reduces time and administrative costs associated with repeatedly negotiating contracts. Once the framework is in place, individual orders (call-offs) can be made quickly under pre-agreed terms
- Improved SRM – encourages long-term collaboration, which can lead to better service, innovation, and problem-solving. Strategic partnerships are being emphasised more than transactional supplier relationships
- Agreed pricing – pre-negotiated pricing or discount structures can lead to cost savings and easier budgeting
- Better compliance – centralised agreements allow for better control over legal, ethical, and quality standards across multiple purchases
- Expert suppliers – all with vast experience of working within the HE sector
- Framework Levy of 0.25% on Lot 4 and 0.5% on Lots 5a, 5b, 5c.
Lot and supplier detail
How do you call-off from the framework agreement?
Direct award (ranking), further competition and desktop calculator.
How has sustainability, equality and diversity been considered as part of the tender?
Sustainability is of key concern to the HE sector, and our suppliers are encouraged to operate and promote sustainable practices. Suppliers were evaluated in terms of their approach to:
- Corporate Social Responsibility, which assessed the practical impact of bidders’ activities on the local community
- Ethical Business Practices, which assessed the ethical policies and practices bidders have in place to maintain responsible business conduct within their operations and supply chain
- Environmental Impact was assessed to understand what steps bidders take to minimise and report their environmental footprint, such as reducing energy consumption, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions in both their operations and those of your supply chain.
Further information:
Full agreement details, including how to use the agreement are available through the Hunter framework management platform.
We’re hosting a framework launch webinar on Thursday 23 April 2026 at 10:00. Register your place here!
About SUPC
At Southern Universities Procurement Consortium (SUPC), we help universities and colleges buy smarter. Members use our frameworks and support services to make sure their procurement activities deliver value for money to students, staff and wider communities. Visit our member resources page to learn more about using our frameworks. Explore benefits of SUPC membership, here.
We’re part of the SUMS Group, which also includes SUMS Consulting. The SUMS Group provides procurement and consultancy solutions to the higher education sector.