Photographic and ancillary services

Tender description

This contract has now been awarded. The purpose of this contract was to find a supplier to provide a graduation gowns and photography services to the University. The University of Sunderland is inviting tenders to supply gowning and photography services for its graduation ceremonies each year (in the UK), at both its Sunderland and London Campuses, commencing with our Spring/Summer 2021 ceremonies. After initial tender evaluation, the top 3 scoring suppliers (unless unable to catch up) will be invited to demonstration/presentations. The summer ceremonies at Sunderland (usually held in July) take place over a week (2 events per day), whilst London (usually held in May, but may be brought forwarded to April 2021) are over 1/2 days (up to 2 events per day). The winter ceremonies at Sunderland (usually held in November) take place over 2/3 days (up to 2 events per day), whilst London (usually held in October) are over 1/2 days (up to 2 events per day). Each graduation ceremony is a special celebration for students, their guests, staff and VIP’s and we want to ensure everyone who attends has the best day possible. Therefore, the University of Sunderland requires high quality, academically specific gowns, hoods, and hat hire for its students, VIP’s, Executive and staff on the graduation event. Whilst also supplying a professional photography and framing service for graduates and honorary graduates and their guests. A fully secure online and offline ordering facility for graduands along with details of discount offers, clear information, e.g. sizing, booking process, payment options, cancellation policy, etc is essential to ensure an exceptional customer service experience. The tender is for a period of 3 years’ with the option to extend for 2 years’ in annual increments, commencing with the Spring/Summer 2021 ceremonies. Overall contract value is estimated at GBP 1 375 000 over 5 years’ maximum contract length i.e. GBP 275 000 per annum (made up of GBP 200 000 Sunderland and GBP 75 000 London), although there are no guarantees on spend level). We also reserve the right to spend a further 50 % of the anticipated spend, subject to changes to requirements across the University for the duration of the award.