Award

ID 5998126 - DE - Independent evaluation of the RAISE programme

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

13 Feb 2026 at 09:06

Tender

20 Nov 2025 at 16:50

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education has awarded a contract for the independent evaluation of the RAISE programme, with the successful bidder being the National Children's Bureau. The procurement process, led by Construction and Procurement Delivery in Northern Ireland, employed an open procedure, suitable for central government public authority requirements. Focused on the industry category of research and consultancy services, particularly social research services, the contract's geographic scope covers regions within the UK, with notable activity centred in Bangor and Belfast. Key stages in the procurement included tendering initiation on 20th November 2025 and contract award pending as of 13th February 2026. The contract period commences on 1st March 2026, extending until 2nd March 2028, with options to renew for up to two additional years. The standstill period concludes on 24th February 2026.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in research and consultancy services, particularly those specialising in evaluation consultancy due to its specific focus on programme assessment. SMEs and VCSE organisations positioned within this sector are likely well-suited to compete successfully. With the project budget set at £478,992 gross, the procurement prioritises qualitative criteria, accounting for 90% of the selection process, allowing businesses with strong methodological proposals and team experience to make substantial contributions. With a central procurement authority located in Northern Ireland, businesses operating locally can leverage direct involvement in the project, fostering regional economic development. The flexibility for contract renewal offers longer-term engagement prospects, conducive to business growth and extended service provision.

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Notice Title

ID 5998126 - DE - Independent evaluation of the RAISE programme

Notice Description

The Department of Education (the Buyer) requires a Supplier to undertake an independent evaluation of the RAISE programme. The Supplier must provide ongoing evidence and assessment to assist the Programme Board and Locality Reference Groups in refining the programme throughout its delivery/the delivery of their Strategic Area Plans.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: option to extend for a further two periods of up to one year each

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e5e0
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/013221-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

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


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

79311000 - Survey services

79315000 - Social research services

79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services

79421000 - Project-management services other than for construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
£400,000 £100K-£500K
Awards Value
£399,160 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
8 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Feb 20261 weeks ago
Contract Period
1 Mar 2026 - 2 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Additional Buyers

CONSTRUCTION AND PROCUREMENT DELIVERY

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
ssdadmin.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
BANGOR
Postcode
BT19 7PR
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Sydenham
Westminster Constituency
Belfast East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

NATIONAL CHILDREN'S BUREAU

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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