Award

Connected Places Programme

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

25 Sep 2025 at 14:23

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process detailed pertains to the "Connected Places Programme," commissioned by Essex County Council, a public authority operating under sub-central government classification. The project focuses on services within the research consultancy domain, specifically aimed at enhancing social capital through the RSA's innovative methodologies. Located in Chelmsford, UK, the contract was initiated as a direct award without competition, falling below threshold levels. The process has progressed to the award stage, with the contract commencing on 22nd July 2025 and scheduled to conclude on 21st July 2026, with provisions for potential renewal by 21st October 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in research consultancy services, particularly those adept in advanced data modelling and participatory research techniques. Although the procurement method was direct, showcasing Essex County Council's preference for working with the RSA, the focus on delivering strategic engagement and bespoke data solutions in the Connected Places initiative could inspire similar projects or ongoing opportunities in public sector innovations. Enterprises that prioritise community engagement and social mobility development might find similar future procurements highly beneficial for business growth, given the increasing emphasis on place-based initiatives within public sector contracts.

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Notice Title

Connected Places Programme

Notice Description

ECC seeks to procure services from the RSA (Royal Society of Arts) to deliver its Connected Places programme. This initiative supports place based social capital development using RSA's distinctive methodologies including advanced data modelling, participatory research and coalition building to enhance wellbeing and social mobility. The programme provides bespoke data sets, neighbourhood mapping and strategic engagement with stakeholders to inform service delivery and investment planning across the region.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a254
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059795-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73210000 - Research consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Sep 20255 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
21 Jul 20257 months ago
Contract Period
21 Jul 2025 - 21 Jul 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurementsanda@essex.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

RSA

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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