Scope
Description
Scope of activity
We expect activities delivered through this project will:
• Increase the number of startups (pre-seed / series A) based outside of London, or support the growth of existing regionally-based startups (or a combination of these objectives). While we will not rule out programme activity focused on specific sub-sectors due to specific regional strengths - we expect the majority of programme activity to result in benefits (and insights / learnings) that can be transferred or applied more widely across the tech sector as a whole.
• Deliver benefits across the UK, and at a minimum more than three NUTS1 regions.
• Not duplicate existing activity in regional digital ecosystems. This funding cannot be allocated to existing programmes that the bidders already run, ensuring that the project is adding something new and valuable to the ecosystem, rather than sustaining current operations. We expect providers to demonstrate understanding of existing activity occurring in ecosystems and how this new activity is complementary or additive to existing efforts.
Conditions of Participation
This competition is open to UK registered entities. Bidders may take the form of sole legal entities or may wish to combine to form consortia or other partnerships. Specific eligibility criteria include:
• Bidders must be UK registered entities and have a significant UK presence and deep knowledge of the UK tech sector .
• The Bidder must submit only one bid.
• Individual organisations are not permitted to bid as part of more than one consortium -
• The following organisations are not eligible to bid:
o Government departments (the includes the UK government and the devolved governments of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland)
o Local Authorities (LAs)
o Non-departmental public bodies (NDPBs)
o Arm's-length bodies (ALBs)
If bidders decide to put forward a joint bid, a lead partner organisation must submit the bid on behalf of all parties and shall be responsible for all communication with the Department during the competition processes. The Lead bidder will be the primary contractor and who will be responsible for managing the consortium's activities. The Bidder must submit a structure diagram identifying the roles and relationships between the organisation including all relevant companies, their respective parent or ultimate holding companies. The structure should make clear who will be responsible for delivery of which activities are borne by an entity or entities which satisfy the financial and economic requirements set out in the ITT.
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000 excluding VAT
- £1,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 June 2025 to 31 March 2026
- 9 months, 22 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
7 May 2025, 10:00am
Tender submission deadline
26 May 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 May 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | as detailed in ITT |
Quality |
Weighting description
90%
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Department for Science, Innovation & Technology
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWZ-3216-PVQL
22 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2EG
United Kingdom
Email: stuart.smith@dsit.gov.uk
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government