Award

Provision of Alcohol and Tobacco Research and Evaluation

COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Apr 2026 at 14:31

Summary of the contracting process

County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust awarded a contract titled "Provision of Alcohol and Tobacco Research and Evaluation," related to research services in the North East of England, specifically focusing on alcohol and tobacco use patterns. Bluegrass Limited has been chosen as the supplier through a selective procurement method, utilizing the Crown Commercial Service framework RM6126. The contract begins on 9th March 2026 and runs until 8th March 2028, with potential extensions available for up to three additional years. With a budget of £200,000, this initiative aims to address high rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions and tobacco harm in the region, thereby facilitating the design of effective intervention strategies.

This tender presents valuable growth potential for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) specialising in research and evaluation, particularly those with experience in social health interventions. Businesses with expertise in conducting regional impact analyses and devising outreach campaigns geared towards reducing alcohol and tobacco consumption will find this opportunity particularly relevant. Through collaboration with a well-established NHS trust and engaging with strategic regional health initiatives, firms can leverage this project to expand their portfolio and build credible partnerships in the health research sector.

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Notice Title

Provision of Alcohol and Tobacco Research and Evaluation

Notice Description

On behalf of Fresh and Balance, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust have a requirement for the Research and Evaluation of Alcohol and Tobacco usage in the North East of England. The region has some of the highest rates of harm linked to both, and understanding the patterns is essential for designing interventions that work. The region consistently reports some of the highest rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths in England. Understanding who is drinking, how much, and why helps target support where it's most needed. Research will provide insight to target campaigns and evaluation of what is working. Fresh and Balance has over 30 years' experience driving programmes of work and supporting colleagues across both local authorities and the NHS. The core strategic aim is to work at population level for a societal shift around tobacco and alcohol use. This contract was awarded to Bluegrass Limited following a further competition via Crown Commercial Service framework RM6126-Research & insights Dynamic Purchasing System Agreement. The term of the contract is 24 months with 3x12 months optional extension.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-b41ae1ad-4e99-4e3d-ba38-6480efcfce33
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/6b9522ca-d650-4d67-86c2-a64c10e51a69
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Call-off from a dynamic purchasing system
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£200,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
21 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
6 Mar 20264 weeks ago
Contract Period
9 Mar 2026 - 8 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
COUNTY DURHAM AND DARLINGTON NHS FOUNDATION TRUST
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DARLINGTON
Postcode
DL3 6HX
Post Town
Darlington
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC3 Tees Valley
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC33 Darlington
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)

Local Authority
Darlington
Electoral Ward
Pierremont
Westminster Constituency
Darlington

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

BLUEGRASS

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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