Scope
Reference
DN759994
Description
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) are looking to appoint multiple marketing agencies to develop a Creative Services framework. The agencies will assist TfGM to develop and deliver multi-channel campaigns across Greater Manchester (GM) as well as our business-as-usual activity with the aim of encouraging more people to travel sustainably.
TfGM has been successful in delivering several engaging and high-profile campaigns in recent years and now wishes to expand on that success due to its growing responsibilities.
TfGM covers a wide remit of exciting and transformational projects across GM from delivering infrastructure for active travel including a cycle hire scheme, through to developing an app and providing major Public Transport services across tram, rail and bus networks.
Given this expansion and the fact marketing is a specialist area, TfGM's internal Marketing team is looking to source external support to help deliver its ambitions.
TfGM are looking to award suppliers under the following lots:
Lot 1: Strategy & Creative - includes marketing strategy, creative concepting, campaign creative, multi-channel campaign execution & production, seasonal planning, messaging strategy and audience & market analysis.
Lot 2: Artwork & Graphics - includes graphic design, creating artwork, versioning and copywriting.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £3,700,000 excluding VAT
- £4,440,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 March 2026 to 1 March 2029
- Possible extension to 1 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Extension dependant on framework still meeting requirements for TfGM.
Main procurement category
Services
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Not the same for all lots
CPV classifications are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Strategy & Creative
Description
This Lot will have a strategic focus on delivering marketing campaigns through creative alignment, brand consistency, and delivery of high-impact visual assets.
o Gathering of audience insights
o Market analysis
o Inform TfGM of industry trends
o Seasonal planning
o Messaging strategy
o Creative strategy
o Marketing strategy
o Campaign strategy
o Ideation & concepting
o Multi-channel campaign planning
o Production & delivery of campaign assets including photography, video, audio production and copywriting
Lot value (estimated)
- £3,000,000 excluding VAT
- £3,600,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 79310000 - Market research services
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Artwork & Graphics
Description
This Lot will encompass both business-as-usual activities, as well as collaboration on marketing campaigns to ensure timely delivery of creative assets and campaign requirements.
o Artworking across varying demographics.
o Graphic Design
o Versioning
o Presentations (e.g. PowerPoints)
o Cartography
o Illustration
o Animation (for social media, internal audiences, TV etc.)
o Motion Graphics
o 3D Modelling
o Copywriting
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
CPV classifications
- 79822500 - Graphic design services
Same for all lots
Contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
8
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1%
Further information about fees
Further information on rebate fees can be found in the tender documents on Pro Contract. Tender Reference: DN759994.
Framework operation description
Services awarded via the framework for any projects under Lots 1 and 2, will be called off either via mini competition through a 'pitch'/competitive quotation process or via a Direct Award, which is permitted up to the value of £50k (exc. VAT).
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Strategy & Creative
Lot 2. Artwork & Graphics
A financial risk assessment methodology has been provided as part the PSQ. Prospective Suppliers are required to read this information thoroughly and follow the instructions in order to complete the self-assessment prior to the PSQ submission deadline.
Suppliers are required to confirm whether they already have, or can commit to obtain, prior to the commencement of the contract, the levels of insurance cover indicated below:
Employer's (Compulsory) Liability Insurance = £5,000,000
Public Liability Insurance = £10,000,000
Professional Indemnity Insurance = £5,000,000
A response of 'No' or failure to attach suitable evidence of the commitment will Fail to meet this condition of participation.
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Strategy & Creative
Lot 2. Artwork & Graphics
For Stage 1, the PSQ there are three (3) Technical Ability questions, scored in line with the award criteria found within the PSQ document.
The score for each question will be added together to give a Total Score (out of 100%) for each Supplier. All Suppliers who receive a Total Score will be ranked by score and the top suppliers will be taken through to Stage 2. It is envisioned that ten (10) suppliers will be taken through for Lot 1, and six (6 ) suppliers will be taken through for Lot 2.
The sixteen (16) shortlisted suppliers will then be invited to Stage 2 ITT. The criteria for this part of the tender will be split into Technical, Social Value and Commercial.
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Strategy & Creative
Lot 2. Artwork & Graphics
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
3 September 2025, 4:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
17 September 2025, 4:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted electronically via Pro Contract: https://procontract.due-north.com/Register.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Technical | Quality | 45% |
| Commercial | Price | 45% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
There will be two stages to the tender process.
Stage 1 - PSQ
Stage 2 - ITT
Suppliers will be shortlisted via the PSQ process, before being invited to the ITT stage.
Documents
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
TfGM are using Pro-Contract / The Chest for the management of this procurement. This is where the tender documents will be held and where suppliers must submit their bids.
The Pro-Contract ref number is DN759994.
If interested suppliers are not registered already on this e-sourcing portal, we recommend that they do so as soon as possible. Here is the link to register - https://procontract.duenorth.com/Register
Contracting authority
Transport for Greater Manchester
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNJQ-2746-NWYT
2 Piccadilly Place
Manchester
M1 3BG
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@tfgm.com
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government