Award

GMCA 1634 Support for the Social Economy Evaluation

GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

25 Mar 2026 at 16:26

UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Tender

19 Dec 2025 at 14:49

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The public procurement process initiated by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority aims to advance the evaluation of the Support for the Social Economy Programme. This programme is structured to bolster social economy businesses by establishing a digital gateway and addressing service gaps within Greater Manchester. The evaluation partner will be responsible for creating an evaluation framework, crafting a report, and formulating guiding principles for future initiatives. The procurement stage for this process is complete, with Little Lion Research Limited awarded the contract on 9th March 2026, and the contract spans until 18th December 2026. The process operated under an open competition method, below threshold. The contract falls under the services category, specifically aimed at research and development services. The delivery region is the UK, with Manchester being the focal location.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities, particularly for enterprises skilled in social economy evaluation, consultancy, and research services. It is particularly suited to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and organisations focused on delivering specialised support to social economy sectors. Engaging in this tender allows businesses to contribute to pioneering projects in the Greater Manchester area, leveraging existing strengths while expanding into new domains within public sector support services. With emphasis on quality, price, and social value, successful bidders can enhance their portfolios, solidify credibility, and align themselves with civic advancement projects under government frameworks.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

GMCA 1634 Support for the Social Economy Evaluation

Notice Description

GMCA are seeking a partner to evaluate the Support for the Social Economy Programme. This programme was commissioned in 2023 with the intention of providing a new digital front door to support Social Economy businesses, and to provide specialist support where gaps in existing provision are identified. The evaluation partner will deliver three main outputs for this contract: - An evaluation framework - An Evaluation Report - Guiding principles for future commissioning Page 2 to 5 The intention for the activity will be to answer the overarching research question of 'what lessons from this programme can inform future commissioning and provision of support for Greater Manchester's social economy?'

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fa8d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/027511-2026
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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£50,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£46,050 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Mar 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
26 Jan 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
9 Mar 20261 months ago
Contract Period
9 Mar 2026 - 18 Dec 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
GREATER MANCHESTER COMBINED AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MANCHESTER
Postcode
M1 6EU
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
TLD3 Greater Manchester
Local Authority
Manchester
Electoral Ward
Deansgate
Westminster Constituency
Manchester Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

LITTLE LION RESEARCH

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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