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DHSC: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR): Research Commissioning and Management Services Lot 3

DHSC

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

13 Aug 2026 at 11:49

Award Notice
Award

13 Aug 2026 at 11:35

Award Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Health and Social Care procured research commissioning and management services for Lot 3: Population and Policy Research. The requirement covers commissioning and managing research that informs health and care policy, public health, social care and service delivery. It includes strategic portfolio management, evidence synthesis, priority setting and engagement with stakeholders, with the aim of supporting national priorities, reducing health inequalities and helping government, the NHS and wider health and care systems adopt effective interventions. This is a research services contract (CPV 73110000), delivered across the United Kingdom. The procurement is suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises and voluntary, community and social enterprises. DHSC is the buying organisation.

The procurement is complete and was awarded through a selective, above-threshold competitive dialogue procedure. Bids closed at 5pm on 5 March 2025. The contract was awarded on 20 July 2026 to the University of Southampton, with an awarded value of £83,601,254. The published procurement value was £39,482,053. Two award records give contract periods ending on 31 March 2032: one starts on 1 May 2026 and the other on 20 July 2026. The tender description provides for options to extend the contract by up to four years. This is Lot 3, covering Population and Policy Research. The award is active and the selected supplier is the University of Southampton.

This award demonstrates demand for organisations able to run a national research commissioning and management function at substantial scale. Relevant competitors would need credible expertise in population and policy research, health and care policy, public health, social care and service delivery. They would also need to show they can manage a strategic research portfolio, undertake evidence synthesis, set priorities and engage effectively with government, the NHS and wider health and care stakeholders. The requirement favours providers able to translate research into practical improvements in policy and services, including work addressing health inequalities and supporting the adoption of effective interventions. Its stated suitability for SMEs and voluntary, community and social enterprises indicates that specialist organisations, consortia and delivery partners may be well placed when comparable work returns.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

DHSC: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR): Research Commissioning and Management Services Lot 3

Notice Description

Lot 3, Research Commissioning for Population and Policy Research, is responsible for commissioning and managing research that informs health and care policy, public health, social care and service delivery. It provides the evidence needed by government, the NHS and wider health and care systems to make informed decisions, improve services, reduce health inequalities and support the adoption of effective interventions. Through strategic portfolio management, evidence synthesis, priority setting and stakeholder engagement, Lot 3 ensures research is aligned to national priorities and translates into meaningful improvements in policy and practice. There are options to extend the contract by up to 4 years.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-ea1d12b2-e3fc-457c-85f4-9501e8f8dd35
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/efb84292-94d4-4480-9085-bdeae9d77c48
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive dialogue (above threshold)
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Large

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
£39,482,053 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£83,601,254 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
5 Mar 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
20 Jul 20261 months ago
Contract Period
20 Jul 2026 - 31 Mar 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DHSC
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LEEDS
Postcode
LS2 7UE
Postcode Area
Leeds
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE4 West Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE42 Leeds
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Leeds
Electoral Ward
Little London & Woodhouse
Westminster Constituency
Leeds Central and Headingley

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON

Further Information

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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