CCCC17A03 - Provision of Consultancy for CCS Identifying areas where SMEs can add value

This procurement is for the provision of consultancy support to aid The Crown Commercial Service (CCS) in identifying areas and sectors where departmental Small and Medium sized Enterprise (SME) spend can potentially be increased. This is in response to a Public Accounts Committee (PAC) recommendation and the outputs are to be delivered by 24th March 2017. This report is available online at: http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201516/cmselect/cmpubacc/882/882.pdf

CCS has conducted some market research into specific categories of spend (identified in section 4.2). The purpose of this requirement is to analyse this research, augment it through departmental interviews, provide advice and make recommendations to CCS.

Additional information: How to apply Instructions to Potential Providers:

Potential Providers must first be registered on the Crown Commercial Service e-Sourcing Suite in order to respond to the Procurement. If you have not yet registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS e-Sourcing'.

Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so at the Invitation to Tender stage. Potential Providers should note that it could take up to 10 working days to obtain a DUNS number.

Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at:

http://gps.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender

Once you have registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, you will need to express your interest by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@Crowncommercial.gov.uk

Your email must clearly state:

• name/reference of this procurement
• the name of the registered supplier; and
• the name and contact details

Crown Commercial Service will then process your registration and assign your organisation to the opportunity. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done.

It is advised however that Potential Providers register as soon as practically possible in order to receive the Invitation to Tender and have a sufficient amount of time to respond. Crown Commercial Service is not able to offer any extensions to the advertised procurement timetable.

For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact the Helpdesk:

Freephone: 0345 010 3503

Email: supplier@Crowncommercial.gov.uk