This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

07 Jul 2026 at 14:50

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the “AIRDN+ Programme Evaluation and Consultation” has been completed by Aston University, a public authority in Birmingham, United Kingdom. The procurement focused on evaluating the Artificial Intelligence Researcher Development Network (AIRDN+), funded by Research England. This service contract commenced on 1st April 2026 and will end on 31st October 2029. The procurement was conducted through a direct procurement method under the legal basis outlined in the UKPGA 2023/54, and it did not involve competition, as it was below the threshold. The contract was signed on 27th March 2026, carrying a total value of £166,666.67, excluding taxes.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in evaluation consultancy services, particularly those with expertise in the artificial intelligence sector. Companies that can demonstrate capabilities in programme evaluation or those interested in collaborating on research development initiatives may find this type of procurement beneficial for growth. With the awarded supplier being the Careers Research and Advisory Centre (CRAC) Limited, this contract could serve as a benchmark for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) aiming to engage in similar government-funded projects.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

AIRDN+ Programme Evaluation and Consultation

Notice Description

Evaluation of the Artificial Intelligence Researcher Development Network (AIRDN+), a Research England funded project which is led Aston University.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c587
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063784-2026
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

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


CPV Codes

79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£166,666 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
27 Mar 20263 months ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Oct 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ASTON UNIVERSITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BIRMINGHAM
Postcode
B4 7ET
Post Town
Birmingham
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG3 West Midlands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG31 Birmingham
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Birmingham
Electoral Ward
Nechells
Westminster Constituency
Birmingham Ladywood

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

CAREERS RESEARCH AND ADVISORY CENTRE (CRAC) LIMITED(THE

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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