RFP for the provision of a Service Provider for the University Procurement Hub

The University Procurement Hub (UPH) commenced operations in 2016 following a broad market approach and the appointment of the service delivery partner. The UPH entered its tenth year of operations in April 2025; and the current contract provides for services up to April 2026, with some minor extensions negotiated for this process.

As we approach the end of our second contract period, the UPH Executive Board are seeking Proposals for the provision of the future UPH model, known as UPH 3.0.

The purpose of this RFP is to obtain detailed proposals for the provision of UPH Procurement Services. Specifically, the objective of the process is to determine the optimal service delivery model and establish a service provider or a combination of providers for UPH 3.0, beyond the current term. In doing so, the UPH is open to considering alternative service delivery, commercial and contractual models.

The University is seeking submissions for the provision of a service provider for the operation of the University Procurement Hub (UPH 3.0)

Scope:

Core Services

The core services currently provided, which are expected to form part of the new service delivery model, are as follows

• Strategic and operational planning, including pipeline planning

• Strategic category planning including sourcing for new and existing UPH opportunities

• Successful negotiation and establishment of industry leading contracts, in both commercial terms and quality of services committed

• Strategic relationship management, at a central level, for UPH facilitated contracts

• Account management for member universities

• Governance management and reporting for Hub operations, including compliance, probity management and anti-competitive management oversight

• New member acquisition and onboarding.

Respondents are encouraged to propose innovative solutions that incorporates and builds on the core services listed above. Proposals may consider, but are not restricted to, the optional and innovative services described in this document. The UPH Executive Board is open to new approaches that align with the overarching objective of increasing sector participation and delivering enduring value.

Tenderers should note that:

No draft contract has been provided at this stage. As detailed below, a draft contract will be provided to shortlisted tenderers only.