Evaluation of the England 2014-2020 European Regional Development Fund for DCLG

05/07 As you are no doubt aware the British people have voted to leave the European Union and the Prime Minister has been clear that their will must be respected and delivered. We must now prepare for a negotiation to exit the EU, involving all the devolved administrations. Options concerning the ERDF will also be considered. We will therefore not be issuing the Invitation to Tender for scoping the evaluation of ERDF until the position is clearer. We appreciate your patience and we understand many of you will have made time to respond to the Scoping Study ITT in July. It is unlikely that we will issue a tender in early July, but we are not currently in a position to advise further on the timetable.

The Crown Commercial Service (CCS), on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG), previously requested written information from interested suppliers on 2 potential research related competitive tender processes. More detail is provided in the attachment. DCLG held a Supplier Day on 10th May between 15:00-18:00. A record of the Q&A held at the event has been attached to this notice along with some additional information. Any questions should be directed to Niche@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

This notice contains the questions/feedback raised at the supplier conference and responses given. DCLG is also attaching a summary on Process Evaluation and Summative Assessment that was given verbally at the conference. DCLG is also making the following information available as an update to potential suppliers. We reserve the right to make further changes but see it as in the interests of potential suppliers to be aware of current plans. 1. CCS and DCLG propose to use the UKSBS Research and Evaluation Framework Lot 4 for commissioning the Scoping Study; Comparative Evaluation (http://www.uksbs.co.uk/services/procure/Pages/ResearchandEvaluation.aspx). As stated at the supplier event, the framework owners have included the opportunity for either sub-contracting or consortia arrangements to be put in place by suppliers on the framework who will act as the lead supplier. 2. On IT requirements for the Summative Assessment Database described in section 6 of the RFI, DCLG envisages a simple means of gathering data (Excel, Word for example) is required as a short term approach to supporting the first tranche of projects. 3. Support for Summative Assessments is expected to be delivered through Growth Delivery Teams rather than directly to projects (though guidance for projects would be required).

The Authority is not able to commit to timelines as this stage, but it will help Potential Providers to know that the ITT is expected to be issued in early to mid July. The Authority is considering the scope to extend the time available for submission of tenders from the 3 weeks indicated in the RFI, but is not making any firm commitment to doing so. We will update you on the timelines when they are more firm, to help you with your planning.