Scope
Reference
ID 5830444
Description
National Museums NI wishes to appoint a Supplier(s) to deliver design, advertising and creative services, media buying, communications and Public Relations (PR) and digital marketing services.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,725,000 excluding VAT
- £2,070,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 January 2026 to 31 December 2028
- Possible extension to 31 December 2030
- 4 years, 11 months, 27 days
Description of possible extension:
There are two options to extend by 12 months each.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79340000 - Advertising and marketing services
- 79341000 - Advertising services
- 22460000 - Trade-advertising material, commercial catalogues and manuals
- 79416000 - Public relations services
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Lot Lot 1. Design, Advertising and Creative Services
Description
National Museums NI is seeking a creative, dynamic Supplier who will help us shape and create standout museum brands, connect with audiences and amplify the impact of each museum. To be bold and unique, relevant and impactful.
Lot value (estimated)
- £700,000 excluding VAT
- £840,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Offline Media Buying
Description
National Museums NI is seeking a media buying agency who will strive to ensure we reach as many people as possible within our budgets through offline advertising. Remembering our remit as a public body and offering maximum value for the public.
Lot value (estimated)
- £350,000 excluding VAT
- £420,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Digital Marketing Services
Description
National Museums NI is seeking a dedicated digital marketing partner to ensure that our digital reach is maximised through a comprehensive and always-on digital advertising and digital marketing strategy, working towards establishing a digital audience framework, providing expertise in targeting and segmenting digital audiences beyond simple demographics.
Lot value (estimated)
- £175,000 excluding VAT
- £210,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 4. Communications and PR Services
Description
National Museums NI is seeking a proactive communications partner who will amplify far and wide the impact of what we do on a day-to-day basis as well as supporting our corporate communications needs. From events to major stories, we want an agency with the ability to seek the opportunities and optimise them.
Lot value (estimated)
- £500,000 excluding VAT
- £600,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot Lot 1. Design, Advertising and Creative Services
Lot 2. Offline Media Buying
Lot 3. Digital Marketing Services
Lot 4. Communications and PR Services
Company experience.
Submission
Enquiry deadline
20 October 2025, 3:00pm
Tender submission deadline
27 October 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
12 December 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 24 September 2029
Award criteria
Lot Lot 1. Design, Advertising and Creative Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AC1 Strategic Marketing Approach | Quality | 20% |
| AC8 Average Hourly Rate | Price | 20% |
| AC7 Creative Proposal and Campaign (Presentation) | Quality | 16% |
| AC2 Creative Concept | Quality | 12% |
| AC3 Campaign Management | Quality | 11% |
| AC4 Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| AC5 Key Personnel Experience | Quality | 7% |
| AC6 Business Continuity | Quality | 4% |
Lot 2. Offline Media Buying
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AC1 Media Rationale and Plan | Quality | 42% |
| AC6 Total Media Cost | Price | 20% |
| AC2 Key Personnel Experience | Quality | 11% |
| AC3 Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| AC5 Average Hourly Rate | Price | 10% |
| AC4 Business Continuity | Quality | 7% |
Lot 3. Digital Marketing Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AC1 Digital Marketing Strategy and Delivery | Quality | 36% |
| AC2 Key Personnel Experience | Quality | 20% |
| AC5 Average Hourly Rate | Price | 20% |
| AC3 Digital Resilience | Quality | 14% |
| AC4 Social Value | Quality | 10% |
Lot 4. Communications and PR Services
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| AC1 Corporate Communications Plan | Quality | 21% |
| AC8 Total Retainer Fee | Price | 20% |
| AC2 Brand Communications Plan | Quality | 18% |
| AC3 Key Personnel Experience | Quality | 10% |
| AC4 Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| AC7 Average Hourly Rate | Price | 10% |
| AC5 Contract Management | Quality | 7% |
| AC6 Business Continuity | Quality | 4% |
Other information
Payment terms
Contract Value
The estimated value figure indicated in the Scope Section represents an overall estimated contract value. This value reflects the potential scale of the contract and takes into account potential optional extension periods and the uptake of potential optional services as detailed in the tender documents. This figure does not however take into account the application of indexation or increases to charges due to increases in the Real Living Wage. Neither CPD nor the contracting Authority can provide any guarantee as to the level of business under this contract. The Contracting Authority does not bind itself to accept the lowest or any tender. Suppliers remain responsible for all costs and expenses incurred by them or by any third party acting under instructions from the Supplier in connection with taking part in this procurement process regardless of whether such costs arise as a consequence, directly or indirectly of any amendments made to the procurement documents by the Contracting Authority at any time. No legally binding contract shall arise (and a Supplier shall have no legitimate expectation that a contract will be entered into) until such time as entry into the Contract has been confirmed by the Contracting Authority.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
National Museums NI
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHRL-2489-HJBV
153 Bangor Rd
Cultra
BT18 0EU
United Kingdom
Region: UKN09 - Ards and North Down
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
CPD - Supplies and Services Division
Summary of their role in this procurement: Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWG-8426-YWXV
Clare House, 303 Airport Road West
Belfast
BT3 9ED
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast