Award

Understanding the Technical Aspects of Cladding Products

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

AwardUpdate

14 Nov 2025 at 10:50

AwardUpdate

14 Nov 2025 at 10:44

Award

14 Nov 2025 at 09:33

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, led by the Department for Business & Trade, focuses on the project titled "Understanding the Technical Aspects of Cladding Products" within the research services industry category. The primary aim is to support the Office for Product Safety and Standards by addressing evidence gaps in the cladding market, particularly concerning fire safety. The project involves a detailed literature review, stakeholder interviews, and case studies. The contract, valued at GBP 80,000 (gross GBP 96,000), commenced on 3rd November 2025 and is set for a 10-month duration with the option to extend for an additional two months. The procurement stage has been completed, with the award granted to OFR Consultants (Research) Limited, located in Greater Manchester, through a competitive tender via a Request for Proposal (RFP) process as per the Procurement Act 2023.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in research services, particularly those experienced in construction and safety standards. SMEs, like OFR Consultants, have demonstrated suitability for such ventures, thanks to their ability to deliver comprehensive and cost-effective solutions. Companies aiming to expand their footprint in the public safety and construction assessment sectors are encouraged to consider similar opportunities. The focus on product safety and market surveillance highlights the potential for ongoing partnerships with governmental bodies, promising consistent work for firms adept in regulatory compliance and analytical reporting.

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Notice Title

Understanding the Technical Aspects of Cladding Products

Notice Description

This procurement is for research services to support the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) in understanding the technical aspects and associated risks of cladding products used in construction. The project aims to address evidence gaps in the cladding market, particularly regarding fire safety, by conducting a comprehensive literature review, stakeholder interviews, and in-depth case studies of selected cladding products. Key deliverables include an inception report, interim and final reports, information packs, and presentations. The research will inform OPSS's market surveillance priorities and support effective resource allocation for product safety. Contract Duration (Including Extension Options)- 10 months, with an option to extend for up to 2 additional months at the discretion of the Department for Business & Trade. Procurement Procedure- Competitive tender via a Request for Proposal (RFP) process, in accordance with Part 6 (Below-threshold contracts) of the Procurement Act 2023. Rationale for Award- All suppliers met the minimum evaluation criteria. The contract was awarded to OFR Consultants Limited as the compliant bidder offering the lowest total cost. Modifications to Contract Terms- No modifications to the contract terms have been made. The contract will be governed by DBT Short Form Terms and Conditions, based on the Cabinet Office Short Form.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e104
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073863-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - limited competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

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
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£80,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
14 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
28 Oct 20253 months ago
Contract Period
3 Nov 2025 - 3 Sep 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
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercialbpo@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2DY
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

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

OFR CONSULTANTS (RESEARCH

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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