Award

Evaluation of Library Grant Programmes

THE ARTS COUNCIL OF ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

14 Nov 2025 at 16:05

Tender

06 Aug 2025 at 09:05

Summary of the contracting process

The Arts Council of England, a central government public authority based in Manchester, conducted a procurement process seeking services under the title "Evaluation of Library Grant Programmes." The tender aimed to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of various programmes targeting public libraries in England. The procurement process followed an open competition method, below the threshold, and included a tender and award phase. The contract was awarded to DHA Communications Limited, a Liverpool-based SME, on 11th November 2025, and the contract commenced on 12th November 2025, running until 31st March 2026, with an optional six-month extension. The initial tender was active from 6th August 2025, with a closing deadline on 10th September 2025.

This contract presents several business growth opportunities, particularly for SMEs operating in economic research services, as it involves substantial analysis and evaluation work. Businesses with a strong understanding of library-specific challenges, project management capabilities, and expertise in economic and programme evaluation could greatly benefit. The evaluation will guide future library grant funding, offering suppliers an influential role in shaping significant community programmes and establishing long-term government connections. DHA Communications, as the successful supplier, exemplifies how SMEs can effectively compete and secure public tenders by showcasing expertise and understanding of the project brief.

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Notice Title

Evaluation of Library Grant Programmes

Notice Description

Arts Council England is seeking to commission a supplier to conduct an overarching evaluation of a suite of programmes aimed at public libraries in England to understand the reach and efficacy of the range or programmes. To view this notice, please click here: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=994551219

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058229
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/074144-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - open competition
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security


CPV Codes

79311400 - Economic research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£33,333 Under £100K
Lots Value
£33,333 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£33,312 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
10 Sep 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Nov 20253 months ago
Contract Period
12 Nov 2025 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE ARTS COUNCIL OF ENGLAND
Contact Name
Libraries Team
Contact Email
procurement.services@artscouncil.org.uk
Contact Phone
0161 934 4317

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 1FN
Post Town
Manchester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD33 Manchester
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Piccadilly
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

DHA COMMUNICATIONS

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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