University of Sunderland - SAM Project Business Case Consultancy Services - AWARD

Preamble Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing Project (SAM Project) is a ?5.1M funded project (ERDF and University of Sunderland). The project is to support product / process development and implementation of technology for SME manufacturers within the NE LEP area. The support covers several work streams: 1 Practical engagement - utilisation of a Design or Process & Supply Chain or Maintenance Specialist for a minimum of 2 days in support of an issue for quick support resolution (Fully Funded) 2 Research Support - development of a product or process using research support from the academic skills within the University giving the SME the IP developed (Fully Funded) 3 Grant - ?800K available in matched funded support for capital / validation processes or introduction of technology 4 Capital technology centre - ?1M of capital available to support SME use for R&D work based within The Industry Centre, University of Sunderland (Fully Funded) 5 Supply Chain Potential - New products to market will be developed and issued for the regional SME's to become new suppliers to a developing market for growth (Fully Funded) This project envisages engagement with over 400 SME Manufacturers across the North East and is an integral part of the Regional Strategy for growth. Overall Requirement Specification for Business Project Case Consultancy Services Tendered services should address: o The primary focus, which is the review and assessment of manufacturing SMEs expressions of interest (EOI) for grant applications from the Sustainable Advanced Manufacturing (SAM) Project, including: o Understanding the current situation of the business and identify any gaps within their grant application to assist closing them. o Review of applications, which may require additional or external expertise to appraise and establish if there is a sound business case for funding support from the project. o Support the SME with their outcomes and measures of impact (including financial) and link to strategy for innovation in product/ process or introduction of technology. o Assess the business requirement against regional strategies for growth and scale up. o Report on findings and support to form part of the submission of the project business case. o Reporting on and producing project impact reviews with clients to understand how the project and grant support has assisted the clients, in line with ERDF paperwork requirements. o Gathering of case studies from companies who have received grants, if agreed to by the company. o Project contracted requirements are to support of a minimum of 43 companies, with project aspirations to support as many grant applications as possible within the constraints of the funding available; with an anticipated maximum of 6 hours per company.