Review of ESRC-DFID Impact Support, Synthesis and Cohort-Building Services, used to support ESRC-DFID Joint Programmes

The final date and time for the submission of bids is Friday 5th July 2019 at 14:00. DO NOT apply directly to the buyer. All tender information MUST be submitted through the CCS eSourcing Portal. Brief Description of Requirement The Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) and the Department for International Development (DFID) are seeking to commission a review of impact support, synthesis and cohort-building services aligned to ESRC-DFID commissioned programmes. The aim of this review is to assess the effectiveness of these services, and to draw out comparative lessons for any future similar services. "Effectiveness " is taken to mean the extent to which services deliver against their objectives. Example objectives include "maximising the impact of research on policy and practice" and "implement and strengthen cohort building opportunities" (see Appendix X for full details of objectives). The 3 primary questions for the review are: 1. How appropriate are the design and implementation of these services, in achieving their shared objectives? 2. What are the effective and ineffective aspects of these services in delivering their shared objectives? 3. To what extent do services such as these add value? It is expected that this review will take a primarily qualitative approach (i.e. interviews and reviewing relevant documentation), though there is scope to include additional methods. In reviewing the effectiveness of these functions and identifying lessons, contractors should consider both how these functions were delivered and what difference or "impact" these services have had. For the purposes of this review, ESRC-DFID take a wide definition of impact, defining it as "'the demonstrable contribution that excellent research makes to society and the economy". This can involve academic impact, economic and societal impact or both, and can include instrumental impact, conceptual impact, or capacity building . This review will focus primarily on three ESRC-DFID programmes and their associated impact support, synthesis and/or cohort-building services. Please ensure you review all attached information to ensure a full understanding of this requirement. All attachments can be found with the RFx attachments tab within the Emptoris System. This contract will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria set out in the ITQ document. How to Apply As part of the strategic alliance between UK Shared Business Services Ltd (UK SBS) and Crown Commercial Service (CCS), UK SBS will be using the CCS eSourcing Suite for this procurement. To register on the CCS eSourcing portal please follow the details contained within the Additional Information section of this notice. If you are already registered on the CCS eSourcing portal and wish to register your interest in this opportunity please email; expressionofinterest@crowncommercial.gov.uk Your email must clearly state: • the name and reference for the procurement you wish to register for