Summary of the contracting process

The contracting process, initiated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, concerns the procurement of an evaluation partner for the "GMCA 1477: GM Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Evaluation". This tender falls under the services category, specifically research and development services, as defined by the CPV code 73000000. Situated in Greater Manchester, UK, this procurement uses an open procedure. Key dates to note are the tender period ending on 1st September 2025 and the enquiry period concluding on 26th August 2025. The project is scheduled to commence in October 2025 and initially runs for eight months, with a potential extension up to June 2027, carrying a total estimated value of £416,666 (excluding VAT) including all optional extensions. Interested parties must submit proposals in English and can do so electronically.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in evaluation, consultancy, and research services, particularly those experienced in employment support programmes. Ideal candidates are small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) capable of undertaking comprehensive evaluations using AI technology and executing process evaluations to inform future policy-making. The scheme prioritises quality attributes like research proposals, stakeholder engagement, and social value, thus rewarding businesses proficient in these areas. Successful bidders will have the chance to contribute to impactful policy evaluation, potentially influencing economic support frameworks while also establishing or expanding their presence in the public sector consultancy space.

Tender

GMCA 1477: GM Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Evaluation

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY

Contract Timeline

Publication Date

4th August 2025 16:30:21 PM

Tender Deadline

1st September 2025 11:00:00 AM 4 days remaining
Contract Summary

GMCA are procuring an evaluation partner to undertake an evaluation of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (EITB) programme in Greater Manchester (GM), a detailed overview of which can be found in section 6 of the specification. There are three main elements of this evaluation: 1.) A desk-based summary of insights into effective employment support programmes for economically inactive people using AI. 2.) A qualitative process evaluation to test and evaluate the successes and shortfalls of the EITB design and delivery. 3.) A data preparedness study to inform a future impact and value-for-money evaluation. The contract period will be for 8 months with the option to extend for up to an additional 12 months. It is intended for the contract to commence in October 2025. The maximum budget available for the initial period (October 2025 - June 2026) is £208,333 (excluding VAT). The GMCA reserves the right to extend this contract for an additional 12 months. The value of this extension period is up to £208,333 (excluding VAT). Therefore, the estimated total value of the contract, including all optional extension periods, is up to a maximum of £416,666 (excluding VAT).
Contract Details

Open Contracting ID

ocds-h6vhtk-0580b7

Publication Source

Find a Tender Service

Procurement Stage

Tender

Procurement Method

Open

Procurement Method Details

Open Procedure

Procurement Category

Services

Tender Suitability

Framework / DPS
Contract Classification

CPV Code(s)

CPV Division(s)
Awarding Authority

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY

Buyer Name

Buyer Email

procurement@manchesterfire.gov.uk

Buyer Phone

Buyer Address

56 Oxford Street

Manchester

M1 6EU

United Kingdom

View contract on Find a Tender Service

GMCA 1477: GM Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Evaluation

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY

Contract Timeline

Contract Summary

Contract Details

Contract Classification

Awarding Authority