Scope
Reference
EEM 0081
Description
EEM is seeking to put in place a fully managed, single supplier National framework providing public sector bodies with a single, easy-to-use Technology Consultancy services framework to Support Public Sector Transformation, Innovation, and Digital Delivery that provides best possible value and service to our members and the wider public sector.
This framework will enable public bodies to access a trusted, strategic partner capable of delivering diagnostic, advisory, and delivery support across all stages of technology enabled change. It will include initial assessment through to implementation and post-delivery review.
The framework's structure, governance, and commercial model are designed to simplify access, improve transparency, and ensure better outcomes for public sector buyers.
A key feature of this framework is the inclusion of a no or at cost diagnostic phase at the outset of any engagement. This ensures buyers fully understand their needs before commissioning further work, without having to commit excessive resources.
In accordance with the flexibility permitted under the Competitive Flexible Procedure, EEM will shortlist between three (3) and five (5) of the highest-scoring suppliers at the PSQ stage to progress to the Invitation to Tender (ITT).
This approach is required to ensure a proportionate, efficient, and manageable evaluation process, given the anticipated scope and complexity of the requirement. It also reduces unnecessary bidding burden on suppliers and allows the authority to focus detailed ITT activity on those suppliers who have demonstrated the highest capability and relevance at the selection stage.
The shortlisting criteria will be objective, transparent, and based solely on PSQ scoring, as set out in the Supplier Questionnaire below. All suppliers will be treated equally and fairly.
The objectives of the Framework are to:
1. Simplify access to technology consultancy expertise.
2. Improve financial transparency and cost predictability.
3. Give faster mobilisation and reduced procurement overheads.
4. Give greater inclusion of SMEs through a structured supply chain model.
5. Enhance alignment between strategy, procurement, and delivery.
6. Provide better outcomes and reduced waste of public funds.
The appointed vendor will be responsible for:
1. Providing initial diagnostics and advisory services directly to clients.
2. Determining whether delivery should continue in-house or through a transparent, managed SME supply chain.
3. Ensuring full visibility of cost, delivery model, and performance across all engagements.
4. Maintaining an open and evolving network of SME partners, ensuring diversity, innovation, and regional/local capability are fully represented.
This approach simplifies access for buyers and supports extensive SME participation through a structured and equitable delivery ecosystem.
EEM considers this Framework will help:
1. Enable EEM members, whether existing or future, and the wider public sector to call off services in an efficient and compliant way.
2. Provide access to a vetted list of suppliers, significantly reducing the time and effort needed to conduct individual procurements.
3. Ensure that all purchases meet legal and regulatory requirements, such as the Procurement Act 2023.
4. Provide better value to the buyer by creating a fairer and more efficient supply chain, whilst consolidating purchasing power to negotiate better pricing and terms.
5. Provide clear, pre-negotiated pricing structures, enabling buyers to achieve greater value for money.
6. Ensure access to cutting-edge and specialised solutions.
7. Allows buyers to better manage their purchases in line with ever changing requirements.
8. Encourages greater innovation and quality by providing access to innovative products and services, including from niche vendors, ensuring buyers can procure the latest technology, solutions and services.
9. Promote competition among suppliers, driving competition and higher quality standards.
10. Reduce procurement risks by offering contracts with established suppliers that adhere to framework terms and conditions.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £50,000,000 excluding VAT
- £60,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 10 March 2026 to 9 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
1%
Framework operation description
This is a single supplier framework. The framework supplier will provide an initial diagnostic service at either no cost or at cost recovery only, to help contracting authorities clearly define their needs, challenges, and desired outcomes before committing to wider consultancy or delivery activity. This diagnostic phase will enable informed investment decisions, ensuring public funds are spent only where there is a clear business case and achievable value.
Award of contracts will be via direct award.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
This Framework Agreement Technology Consultancy Services is for use by Contracting Authorities in the United Kingdom, British Overseas Territories, and Crown Dependencies that exist on 29 May 2025
Submission
Enquiry deadline
9 December 2025, 11:59am
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
16 December 2025, 11:59am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
9 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technical | Technical and responsible procurement |
Quality | 70.00% |
| Commercial | Commercial |
Price | 30.00% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
The procurement will consist of the following stages:
Stage One - Selection Questionnaire (PSQ)
Bidders will be required to complete a Selection Questionnaire (PSQ) to demonstrate their organisational suitability, financial standing, relevant experience, and capacity to deliver the required services.
Responses will be evaluated in accordance with the published selection criteria. Only the top 3 - 5 bidders who meet the required standard will be invited to participate in the next stage of the process.
Stage Two - Invitation to Tender (Competitive Flexible Stage)
Shortlisted bidders will be invited to submit a full tender response, addressing both the Technical (Quality) and Commercial (Pricing) criteria.
The ITT will be evaluated in accordance with the published award criteria, which will assess overall quality, delivery approach, SME participation, and value for money.
This stage allows EEM to explore innovative delivery approaches while maintaining a competitive and transparent evaluation framework.
Stage Three - Clarification and Moderation (if required)
Where necessary, shortlisted bidders may be invited to attend a Clarification Meeting.
These meetings will not be scored but will be used to validate or explore elements of the written submission. Following these sessions, the evaluation panel may adjust moderated scores when justified by improved confidence in a bidder's ability to deliver.
Stage Four - Contract Award
The Framework Agreement will be awarded to the Bidder submitting the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT), based on a combination of quality (70%) and price (30%), in line with the evaluation criteria set out in this document.
Following evaluation and moderation, all bidders will be notified of the outcome, and the mandatory standstill period will commence before award confirmation.
Documents
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
Via My Tenders https://www.mytenders.co.uk/
Contracting authority
Efficiency East Midlands
- Companies House: 07762614
Maisies Way
Alfreton
DE55 2DS
Canada
Contact name: Mark Stephens
Telephone: +447973385737
Email: mark@metaprocurement.org
Website: https://metaprocurement.org/
Organisation type: Public undertaking (commercial organisation subject to public authority oversight)
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Meta Procurement Ltd
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement Lead
- Companies House: 13864148
Peveril Drive
Nottingham
NG7 1DE
United Kingdom
Region: UKF14 - Nottingham