UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER has published a procurement opportunity for data & telecommunication cabling framework with an estimated value of £3,000,000. The submission deadline is 13 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Contracts Finder portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The University would like to establish a framework consisting of three contractors to provide the installation, repair and maintenance of the University's telephone, data and fibre optic cabling systems Please access more details and documents at the University's procurement portal: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/manchesteruniversity/aspx/Home

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is £3,000,000 and the submission deadline is 13 May 2026. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to maintenance contractors, repair specialists, facilities managers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of £3,000,000, and hold relevant trade certifications, public liability insurance.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in maintenance and repair services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £3,000,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant trade certifications, public liability insurance
• Capacity to mobilise within UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 13 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Contracts Finder at https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/892070
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 13 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For maintenance and repair services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 13 May 2026

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is 13 May 2026. Competitive bids for maintenance and repair services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Contracts Finder today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Contracts Finder is completely free.

What happens if I miss the deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The 13 May 2026 deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

How long does evaluation take?

UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Contracts Finder listing at https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/892070. Always use the official source.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER or the UK government.