Scope
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).
Total value (estimated)
- £416,666 excluding VAT
- £500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 29 October 2025 to 30 June 2026
- Possible extension to 30 June 2027
- 1 year, 8 months, 3 days
Description of possible extension:
This contract will be extended providing funding is available, performance is satisfactory and the authority has an ongoing need for the service.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 August 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
1 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
17 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Research Proposal | Quality | 45% |
| Project Mobilisation and Management | Quality | 15% |
| Stakeholder Engagement and Communication | Quality | 15% |
| Social Value | Quality | 15% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=dddb3e9a-4f71-f011-813a-005056b64545&p=e0cc5631-4690-e511-80fb-000c29c9ba21
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