Software Licence Resellers Agreement & Consultancy Services (SLRA)
Framework Description
The Software Licence Resellers Agreement & Consultancy Services (SLRA) is SUPC's framework for member universities buying software licences through resellers, with consultancy alongside. It has eight lots: Microsoft, Adobe ETLA, Adobe VIP and other Adobe products, VMware, commercial off-the-shelf software, software asset management, cloud readiness and cyber assessment. Applications for this framework are closed; it started on 23 March 2026 and runs until 22 March 2028 with no extension option. This framework is used by SUPC and APUC.
Context & Use Case
University IT and procurement teams use SLRA when renewing or expanding software licences across the institution, and when they want advice on staying compliant and cutting waste in their licence estate. Members buy through call-off or mini-competition under the agreement, which saves them tendering every renewal separately and gives them access to licensing expertise alongside the purchase.
Scope of Services
Microsoft and associated services Adobe software specific to ETLA agreements Adobe VIP agreements and other Adobe products VMware and associated services Commercial off-the-shelf software (COTS) Software asset management Cloud readiness services Cyber assessment services
Lots
Microsoft and Associated Services; Adobe Software Specific to ETLA Agreements; Adobe VIP Agreements and Other Adobe Products; VMWare and Associated Services; Commercial Off The Shelf Software (COTS); Software Asset Management; Cloud Readiness services; Cyber Assessment Services
Who Can Apply
Suits licensing solution providers and software resellers with publisher partnerships and in-house licensing consultants. Applications for this framework stay closed until it ends in March 2028, so suppliers outside it cannot join now and should plan for SUPC's re-tender.
Buyer Benefits
Licensing is complex and costly to get wrong. Universities want a reseller who prices keenly, gives impartial advice on which licences they actually need, and helps them negotiate with publishers. Pairing reselling with asset management support helps them avoid audit exposure and paying for software nobody uses.
Next Steps
Appointed resellers should log the savings and compliance outcomes of their licensing advice, which will make strong evidence in the next bid. Others have time to prepare before 22 March 2028: follow SUPC's framework page, choose the lots that match your publisher partnerships and services, and document software asset management work for public sector or education clients.
How Athena Can Help
For appointed resellers, Athena's bid writers and pricing analysts help win call-offs and mini-competitions, with margin-on-licence pricing models and answers that show the value of your licensing advice, not just the discount.
For firms aiming at the 2028 re-tender, our re-tender readiness planning sets out when to start gathering case studies and evidence, and our Procurement Act bidding support makes sure your response is compliant and that social value answers score.
