Award

Qualitative research on the role of services in sanctions circumvention

DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

02 Jan 2026 at 12:33

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Business & Trade, based in London, has completed the procurement process for conducting qualitative research related to the role of services in sanctions circumvention. This project aims to address knowledge gaps in the enforcement of trade sanctions. The procurement falls under public authority - central government and adheres to legal guidelines under the UK Public General Acts. The procurement method utilised is direct, labelled "below threshold - without competition." The contracting stage is in the award and contract phase with the research consultancy services provided by Themis, an SME located in London. Key dates include the contract start on 2 January 2026 and end on 31 March 2026, with the contract valued at £84,600, excluding VAT.

This procurement presents significant business growth opportunities for research consultancy firms, particularly those specialising in services related to compliance and enforcement of trade regulations. The project addresses critical gaps in policy understanding and enforcement, providing an avenue for consultancy firms to leverage their expertise in strategic advisory roles. SMEs with a focus on research services can benefit by aligning their offerings to support government agencies in enhancing trade governance. This contract is a direct procurement example, benefiting firms capable of providing tailored services efficiently without requiring extensive competitive bidding.

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Notice Title

Qualitative research on the role of services in sanctions circumvention

Notice Description

There are gaps in DBT's understanding of circumvention, which this project seeks to address. Closing these information gaps on services-enabled circumvention is necessary to help DBT better enforce breaches of trade sanctions, identify whether there are any policy gaps and any additional business engagement and / or guidance needed.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05febb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000038-2026
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
SME

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
£84,600 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Jan 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
2 Jan 20261 months ago
Contract Period
2 Jan 2026 - 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
DEPARTMENT FOR BUSINESS & TRADE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
commercialresearchandconsultancy@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

THEMIS

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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