An LMS Tender: what is it?
UT is running a tender for our Learning Management System (LMS). A tender is a formal request in which we as UT ask suppliers to show us why we should choose to use their system in the upcoming years. Our current LMS, Canvas, is part of this tender. It’s important to stress that starting a tender does not automatically mean we are changing systems.
Why an LMS tender?
This tender is something we are legally required to do under European and Dutch procurement rules. For large and long-term contracts like an LMS, universities must periodically run a tender, even if the current system works well. That means UT has to look at what is available on the market and compare solutions.
Goal of the tender
UT must comply with procurement law. The outcome of the tender will tell us whether we continue with Canvas or move to another LMS. At this point, both outcomes are possible.
Canvas is currently used across UT and will be invited to participate in the tender. If Canvas is selected again, we will continue working with it. In this case, no major changes are expected for UT colleagues or students, however, an innovation trajectory will follow to possibly include new functionalities. If another supplier is selected, UT will move to a new LMS. In that case, the transition will be carefully planned and supported. For now, nothing changes. You can continue working in Canvas as you always have. There is no action required from UT colleagues at this stage.
How is the tender organised?
The tender follows a number of clearly defined phases. Because this is a formal procurement process, there are moments when we are limited in what we can share. We will always communicate where we are in the process, what the next step is, and when more information can be expected. The project is guided by a project board and a project group, and supported by a sounding board (klankbordgroep). In other words, students and colleagues are actively involved at different moments in the trajectory.
Phases
In short, the process involves the following phases:
- Internal analysis LMS requirements
- External analysis LMS requirements
- Writing tender documents (current phase)
- Publication (1 September 2026) and assessment
- Award and contract
surveys
Until March 2026, students and colleagues had the opportunity to give input via surveys, to help improve UT's future learning management system. More than 500 people helped out by filling in a survey: thank you all!
Think along
We aim to actively involve the UT community in the LMS tender process. Various steps were taken to include as many insights and ideas from UT staff and students as possible. Recently, the sounding board validated the 'must haves' and 'should haves' for our new LMS. In addition, all faculties are represented within the project group:
BMS faculty representative
EEMCS faculty representative
Service departments & ET faculty representative
ITC faculty representative
S&T faculty representative
FAQ
Below you will find an overview of the most frequently asked questions, because these may be questions that you also have. If you still have a question, please let us know via info@utwente.nl.
