Planning

DFE Research Framework

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

13 Jun 2025 at 11:36

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education (DfE) is currently in the planning stage for a new procurement initiative titled "DFE Research Framework," which focuses on research and development services within the United Kingdom. This framework is intended to streamline procurement processes for research contracts valued between £100,000 and £2 million, fostering stronger relationships and improved contract management with suppliers. The DfE will be hosting virtual engagement events on 7th and 10th July 2025 to gather feedback from suppliers, with interested parties needing to express interest by 4th July 2025. The official tender notice is anticipated by early September, with the framework set to commence on 31st October 2025 and conclude on 30th October 2029.

This procurement process presents significant growth opportunities for businesses engaging in research and development services. SMEs and VCSEs are particularly encouraged to compete, given their eligibility under the designated lot's suitability criteria. The framework agreement, valued at £48,000,000, positions suppliers as key contributors to the DfE's strategic priorities, offering a primary route to market and potentially strengthening their contract portfolio through efficient and responsive contract management. Business users in the research consultancy sector are well-suited to leverage this opportunity to collaborate with a central government authority and expand their market presence.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

DFE Research Framework

Notice Description

The Department for Education (DfE) is procuring a new Standard framework, which will serve as the primary route to market for Research contracts valued between PS100k and PS2m. This framework aims to streamline procurement processes, enabling the department to better respond to priorities, and to foster stronger relationships and improved contract management with suppliers.

Planning Information

The DfE shall be hosting two virtual events on Monday 7th July 2025 at 15:00 and Thursday 10th July at 15:00 to discuss our plans for a DfE Research framework and gain feedback from suppliers to help shape the framework and specification which will go out in early September. If you are interested in attending one of these events, please email Catherine.doust@education.gov.uk by 12 noon on Friday 4th July 2025.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-054873
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032256-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£48,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jun 20258 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Oct 2025 - 30 Oct 2029 4-5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Planning
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Catherine Doust
Contact Email
catherine.doust@education.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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