Scope
Reference
PRN2470
Description
The access and participation plan (APP) is the main lever through which the OfS regulates equality of opportunity at the provider level. In the context of higher education, 'equality of opportunity' means that individuals are not hampered in accessing and succeeding in higher education as a result of their background or circumstances they cannot fairly influence. An APP is a strategic document that sets out how a provider will reduce the risks to equality of opportunity within their own context.
The OfS wants to evaluate the long-term impact of the OfS's APP approach and would like to appoint a single supplier to deliver a theory based evaluation.
The aim of the evaluation is to understand whether the elements of the APP approach are effective in achieving change in provider behaviour and contributing to improving equality of opportunity for higher education students, from its initiation in 2018 to the 2023 reforms.
For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at:
https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Bristol:-Evaluation-consultancy-services./4MS5A68R7K
To respond to this opportunity, please click here:
Total value (estimated)
- £345,000 excluding VAT
- £414,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 March 2026 to 30 September 2027
- Possible extension to 31 December 2030
- 4 years, 9 months, 23 days
Description of possible extension:
1
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79419000 - Evaluation consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKK1 - Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and Bristol/Bath area
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
21 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
21 January 2026, 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)
24 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 85% |
| Price | Price | 15% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Office for Students
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PYZM-6681-RPZP
Westward House, Lime Kiln Close, Stoke Gifford
Bristol
BS34 8SR
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government