---
title: "AIRDN+ Programme Evaluation and Consultation"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06c587"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06c587"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c587.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c587.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Award"
buyer: "ASTON UNIVERSITY"
published: "2026-07-07"
---

# AIRDN+ Programme Evaluation and Consultation

Buyer: ASTON UNIVERSITY  
Current stage: Award  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06c587

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06c587)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c587.json)

## Summary

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.

## Notice

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

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063784-2026 |
| 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 |
| All stages | Award |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 7 Jul 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | 27 Mar 2026 |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2026 - 31 Oct 2029 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | £166,666 |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Complete |
| Lots status | Complete |
| Awards status | Active |
| Contracts status | Active |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | ASTON UNIVERSITY |
| Locality | BIRMINGHAM |
| Post town | Birmingham |
| Postcode | B4 7ET |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG31 Birmingham |
| Local authority | Birmingham |
| Electoral ward | Nechells |
| Westminster constituency | Birmingham Ladywood |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## Supplier

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Number of suppliers | 1 |
| Supplier names | CAREERS RESEARCH AND ADVISORY CENTRE (CRAC) LIMITED(THE |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

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

### Codes

- 79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services

## Release History

- 7 Jul 2026 at 14:50 - Award - UK7 - Contract Details Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063784-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063784-2026
  7th July 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.aston.ac.uk
- http://www.veranperformance.com
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06c587. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06c587.json.