Travel Management Services Framework Launched

 
 

NWUPC are pleased to announce the launch of the SUPC led re-tendered Travel Management Services Framework to all NWUPC, APUC, HEPCW, LUPC, NEUPC and SUPC members. The framework will be available till the 31st March 2027 with a possible extension of 1 year to 31st March 2028.

A full User Guide is available at HE Contracts.

Led by Southern Universities Purchasing Consortium (SUPC), this re-tendered agreement provides the member organisations with a compliant one-stop-shop for a wide range of specialist Travel Management services, comprising ticket bookings, auxiliary transport services, accommodation, and tourist assistance services.

The main changes from the previous agreement include:

  • A fresh look at the marketplace and access to up-to-date service offering,
  • Addition of Lot 3 – Combined (Business and Student Travel) to best fit HE Sector requirements and culture,
  • Revised pricing mechanisms on all Lots to support long-term robustness of services.

Key benefits of using the Travel Management Services framework agreement:

  • Compliant and fast route to market,
  • Levy of 0.25% on Lot 2 only, Student Group Travel,
  • Competitive rates – transparent pricing with a clear fee structure,
  • A small group of suppliers to best fit HE Sector requirements and culture,
  • A set of standard added-value services across all suppliers, complemented by supplier specific added-value services on,
  • Pre-negotiated Terms and Conditions.

The following suppliers have been awarded to the agreement under 3 lots:

How do I call-off from the framework agreement?

Call-off from this framework agreement is by means of:

  • Further Competition, where additional requirements, are to be introduced into a particular Call-Off contract to better fit the individual member’s needs,
  • Direct Award to top ranked supplier, and /or supplier with commercial rationale as defined by member (e.g., pre-existing relationship to avoid incremental costs of listing and supplier onboarding time),
  • Desktop Exercise where weightings can be adjusted to better fit the individual member’s strategic requirements.

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:
    • Modern Slavery and ethical treatment of workers in their supply chain;
    • Carbon reduction achievement and reporting;
    • Commitments to delivering social value including community and voluntary schemes supported.

Further information on this agreement including supplier contact details can be found in the detailed User Guide which is available on HEContracts.

For further questions or enquiries contact procurement@nwupc.ac.uk or call on 0161 234 8000.