Procurement

Assessors for King's Awards 2026-2029

Department for Business & Trade

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-058082

Description

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) intends to launch a procurement for the provision of Assessors for the King's Awards for Enterprise. This planned procurement notice signals DBT's upcoming requirement and informs suppliers of the intention to publish a tender. The procurement will seek to appoint suitably qualified suppliers capable of delivering high quality, independent assessment services in support of the King's Awards for Enterprise programme.

The Secretary of State for DBT is the contracting authority responsible for meeting this anticipated requirement. DBT intends to publish the tender by 12th March 2026.

The full specification details shall be provided with the contract tender documents, but it is expected to incorporate the following:

The procurement of contractor(s) to provide external technical assessment services for the five King's Awards categories listed below. Subject to commercial strategy approval, tenderers will have the opportunity to bid for one or more lots. DBT aim to appoint one successful supplier per Lot.

1. Lot 1; Innovation: Recognising companies that have demonstrated commercial success through:

- invention, design, production (in respect of goods)  

- performance (in respect of services, including advice)  

- marketing, distribution, after sale support of goods or services 

2. Lot 2; International Trade: Recognising companies that have demonstrated substantial growth in overseas earnings and in commercial success relative to the business size and sector.

3. Lot 3; Promoting Opportunity through social mobility: - for social mobility programmes that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds into successful working lives. 

4. Lot 4; Sustainable Development: Recognising companies that have developed commercially successful products, services, and approaches to management which have major benefits for the environment, society and the economy.

5. Lot 5; To recognise Young Founder (New category) - this was announced in the Government's Small Business Plan. Businesses can apply if they have a founder aged between 18 and 30.

It is anticipated the contract shall be for a period of 3 years, with the option to extend for two additional 12-month terms, on a 1+1 basis. The requirement has an estimated total value of £762,000.00 ex-VAT for all 5 Lots.

Background of Kings Award

The Kings award for Enterprise (previously knowns as the Queens award) was established in 1965 and is the highest official awards programme in the UK. It is the most prestigious award for UK businesses for outstanding achievement.

The whole assessment process, including consideration by the Panels of Judges and the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee (PMAC), is completed between the closing date for applications and the anniversary of His Majesty Coronation, 6th May.

Notices

UK3: Planned procurement notice

Notice identifier: 2026/S 000-018172
Published: 27 February 2026, 6:34pm

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-045732
Published: 4 August 2025, 3:46pm

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