Scope
Reference
GMCA 1477
Description
GMCA are procuring an evaluation partner to undertake an evaluation of the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer (EITB) programme in Greater Manchester (GM), a detailed overview of which can be found in section 6 of the specification. There are three main elements of this evaluation:
1.) A desk-based summary of insights into effective employment support programmes for economically inactive people using AI.
2.) A qualitative process evaluation to test and evaluate the successes and shortfalls of the EITB design and delivery.
3.) A data preparedness study to inform a future impact and value-for-money evaluation.
The contract period will be for 8 months with the option to extend for up to an additional 12 months. It is intended for the contract to commence in October 2025. The maximum budget available for the initial period (October 2025 - June 2026) is £208,333 (excluding VAT).
The GMCA reserves the right to extend this contract for an additional 12 months. The value of this extension period is up to £208,333 (excluding VAT). Therefore, the estimated total value of the contract, including all optional extension periods, is up to a maximum of £416,666 (excluding VAT).
Contract 1. GMCA 1477 Economic Inactivity Trailblazer Evaluation Partner
Supplier
Contract value
- £392,212.76 excluding VAT
- £470,655.60 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
30 October 2025
Contract dates
- 30 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2027
- 1 year, 8 months, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
The Authority may extend the contract beyond the initial contract period by a further 12 months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
The evaluation partner will be required to produce a set of outputs against specific deadlines
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Supplier
SQW LIMITED
- Companies House: 01701564
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPNW-1129-JJYW
SQW, Oxford Centre for Innovation, Blue Boar Court, 9 Alfred Street
Oxford
OX1 4EH
United Kingdom
Email: ittnotices@sqw.co.uk
Website: http://www.sqw.co.uk
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXBN-3793-LCTQ
56 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6EU
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government