Scope
Reference
104209
Description
This notice is to alert the market to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s (DCMS) intention to establish the Event Management Framework 1 (EMF1) to support the delivery of government event requirements.
The EMF1 is intended to provide a flexible and accessible route to market for agency-led event services, reflecting the operating models of the UK events sector. The framework is expected to be available for use by central government departments and arm’s-length bodies to procure event services in a consistent and structured manner.
The framework is being developed under the Light Touch Regime, enabling a proportionate and flexible procurement approach. It is anticipated that call-offs will primarily be conducted through mini-competitions, with provision for direct award where permitted.
The proposed framework structure comprises the following lots:
Lot 1 – National Public-Facing Events: end-to-end delivery of large-scale, high-profile national events.
Lot 2 – Medium to Large Indoor Events: planning, design and delivery of structured indoor events.
Lot 3 – Presence at Third-Party Events: planning and delivery of government participation within externally delivered events.
Lot 4 – Small Events: delivery of small-scale and/or short-duration events.
Lot 5 – Event Assurance Services: provision of independent specialist assurance and scrutiny.
DCMS invites all interested suppliers to start the necessary registrations in order to access this opportunity at a later stage. Please consult the recommended next steps in the Tender section below.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £250,000,000 excluding VAT
- £300,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2030
- Possible extension to 30 September 2032
- 6 years
Description of possible extension:
The framework will include two optional extension periods of up to 12 months each.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
These options may be exercised at the contracting authority’s discretion to ensure continuity of event management and delivery services where there is an ongoing business need, satisfactory supplier performance, and continued alignment with departmental and cross-government requirements.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79952000 - Event services
- 79952100 - Cultural event organisation services
- 75130000 - Supporting services for the government
- 79956000 - Fair and exhibition organisation services
- 79950000 - Exhibition, fair and congress organisation services
Lot 1. National Public-Facing Events
Description
End-to-end delivery of large-scale, high-profile national events.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Medium to Large Indoor Events
Description
Planning, design and delivery of structured indoor events.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Presence at Third-Party Events
Description
Planning and delivery of government participation within externally delivered events.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Small Events
Description
Delivery of small-scale and/or short-duration events.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 5. Event Assurance Services
Description
Provision of independent specialist assurance and scrutiny.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Framework operation description
The framework will operate as a multi-supplier agreement, with call-off contracts awarded through mini-competitions and, where permitted, by direct award in accordance with the framework terms.
Award method when using the framework
With competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Central government departments, executive agencies, non-departmental public bodies, and arm’s-length bodies, including those sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. National Public-Facing Events
Lot 2. Medium to Large Indoor Events
Lot 3. Presence at Third-Party Events
Lot 4. Small Events
Lot 5. Event Assurance Services
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
9 March 2026
Enquiry deadline
17 March 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
24 April 2026, 1:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
When this tender is live, tenders will be required to be submitted via the Atamis e-Sourcing Portal (the Portal).
Suppliers wishing to participate will need to register on the Portal to access the tender documentation and submit a response once the procurement is launched. Suppliers who are already registered will not need to register again and can use their existing username and password. A password reminder function is available on the Portal homepage.
Atamis Portal registration link: https://dcms.my.site.com/login
Suppliers are responsible for reviewing all communications issued via the Portal and following any instructions provided during the procurement process. If technical difficulties are experienced, support will be available from the Atamis e-Sourcing Helpdesk at: Support@atamis.co.uk.
Tenderers wishing to participate in this procurement are also responsible for ensuring that the Central Digital Platform contains complete, accurate and up-to-date information about their organisation and any Associated Suppliers (within the meaning of the Procurement Act 2023) that are relevant to this procurement.
Tenderers must notify the Department immediately if they are unable to register on the Central Digital Platform and/or are unable to provide accurate and up-to-date information through it. The Central Digital Platform, together with instructions for registration and use, can be accessed via the following link:
Central Digital Platform registration link: https://supplierregistration.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/login
When registering on the Central Digital Platform, suppliers will be required to provide the following information:
Basic information
Organisation name and address
Companies House number (or equivalent, e.g., charity number)
VAT number (if applicable)
Relevant qualifications or trade assurances
Confirmation of SME, VCSE, or public mutual status
Financial information
Copies of accounts for the most recent financial years
Connected persons
Names, addresses, and details of any connected persons to the organisation (e.g., persons with significant control), being individuals or organisations that exercise influence or control over the supplier
Exclusions
Details of any discretionary or mandatory exclusion grounds applicable to the supplier or any connected persons, as set out in Schedules 6 and 7 of the Procurement Act 2023
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
4 September 2026
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department for Culture, Media and Sport
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGD-5581-JPGD
100 Parliament Street
London
SW1A 2BQ
United Kingdom
Email: commercial@dcms.gov.uk
Website: http://www.dcms.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government