Independent evaluation of a programme of stakeholder engagement workshops, in support of the Geological Disposal Facility consultations on the National Policy Statement (NPS) and the Working with Communities policy

The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) wishes to commission a project to provide an independent evaluation of a programme of stakeholder engagement and communications activity and workshops in support of the Geological Disposal Facility consultations on the National Policy Statement (NPS) and the Working with Communities policy. As part of the consultation process, BEIS plans to run up to six stakeholder engagement workshops which will compliment a range of other engagement activity. The workshops will provide an opportunity to brief key stakeholders on GDF policy and ensure they understand the detail of the NPS and Working with Communities policy enabling them to submit a considered response to the consultations. In addition, the NPS consultation legally requires consultation with statutory stakeholders.

Whilst carrying out these consultations, it is important to have an independent evaluator to scrutinise the consultation process and verify that the consultation has been delivered in accordance with best practice consultation guidance in an open and transparent manner. Feedback may also be provided to improve the process. This independent evaluator will go to the consultation events to spectate and possibly provide advice.

It is envisaged that the chosen supplier will support BEIS by undertaking the following tasks to provide independent evaluation of the stakeholder engagement workshops:

• Attend meetings with BEIS and the supplier delivering the events to scrutinise how the consultation events are designed (March to May 2017)

• Attend stakeholder consultation events ran by the company delivering the events (May/June 2017)

• Provide advice during these events to ensure the events objectives are met (ongoing)

• Write a report after the consultations close that analyses the engagement activity and events and outline methods in which the consultation process may be improved (July 2017)

Additional information: How to Apply:

If you wish to take part in this procurement please see the attached Tender documents attached to this Notice and send your completed Proposal to Tina Markose at address stipulated in the "Who to Contact" section.

Any late submissions will not be considered. BEIS reserves the right to halt the procurement process and to not award a contract. BEIS will not be held liable for recovery of costs from unsuccessful bids if a contract is not awarded. All costs will be borne by the bidding organisations. If a contract is created it will be upon BEIS Standard Terms and Conditions or the Short Form Terms and Conditions, which are available on Contracts Finder with this notice. Completed tender submission must be returned by post to BEIS, address given at the top of this advertisement, by midday on 20 March 2017. We require 3 hard copies (one of which must be signed). Electronic versions of your bids are to be sent AFTER the deadline to Tina Markose tina.markose@beis.gov.uk . After reviewing and evaluating the written proposals, BEIS may decide to hold bid clarification meetings with suppliers. If successful and upon contract signature, the supplier is expected to attend a kick-off meeting taking place in week commencing 27 March 2017. Project completion is required by 30 September 2017.