T2407b - Northern Ireland Enterprise Support Service ‘NIESS’ Framework A (preferred Contractors) Engage and Foundation

Concepts

• belfast
• management consultancy
• consultancy services

Location

Northern Ireland:

Description

The Local Authorities in Northern Ireland have developed a new enterprise support service ‘ESS’ which aims to put in place a more ambitious approach to the delivery of start-up and growth support which seeks to revamp the current offer and increase the number, survival and growth rates of new businesses across the region. The service aims to provide a set of connected ESS where individuals, entrepreneurs or businesses can access a continuum of support to meet their needs, aligned with the relevant stage of their business. Given the varying needs of the individuals, entrepreneurs and businesses that will likely engage with this service across the business lifecycle, the Local Authorities have identified a need to put in place a framework which will: • Be proactive and flexible to address market needs. • Incentivise market development activity. • Provide a core programme of service delivery across the region. • Provide access to specialists in certain sectors / target groups. • Be flexible in responding to future variability in demand and funding. • Provide quality services that meet user needs; and • Support the Local Authorities strategic ambitions aligned with The Northern Ireland Draft Programme for Government, 10x Economy – Northern Ireland’s Decade of Innovation, Economy 2030, draft Green Growth Strategy for Northern Ireland, Invest NI’s forward business plans, the City/Growth deals, and inclusive growth focus of the individual Council community plans. The NIESS is comprised of the following three frameworks/ contracts which have been procured separately: i. NIESS Framework A (preferred Contractors) – Growth and Scaling; ii. NIESS Framework A (preferred Contractors) – Engage and Foundation; and iii. NIESS Framework B (Subject Matter Experts and Sector Experts); This procurement relates to the award of a contract to a Contractor for the regional delivery of the NIESS Framework A (preferred Contractors) covering the Engage and Foundation requirement. The other 10 Local Authorities (Contract Users) included are: Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council Ards and North Down Borough Council Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Derry City and Strabane District Council Fermanagh and Omagh District Council - Enniskillen Office Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Mid Ulster District Council - Dungannon Newry, Mourne and Down District Council

Total Quantity or Scope

This relates to the procurement for a contractor to deliver enterprise support services across Northern Ireland – with a focus on activities related to the “Engage” and “Foundation” stages. The core services to be delivered include recruitment of eligible businesses and individuals interested in starting a business, support with the development of start-up business plans and delivery of a package of support to include one-to-one coaching/advice sessions, one to many masterclasses and establishment of peer support networks. All activities are underpinned by robust management and reporting mechanisms to comply with funding requirements.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

The Contract shall be effective from the date of award for an initial period up to 31st March 2025 (approx. 18 months based on contract start date of 1st October 2023). The Council reserves the right to extend/renew the Contract up to a further 30 months (1 year + 1 year + 6 months). Total Contract Period including all extension options is 4 years (48 months). Any extension may be subject to further approval by the Council (including other Local Authorities) and funders, availability of funding and satisfactory performance of the Contractor. Funding has been secured for service activity up to 31 March 2025 initially. Any activity following this date will be subject to securing additional funding. The appointed Bidder must have the potential to scale up or down to meet demand and availability of future funding. As such there is no guarantee of any delivery post the 31st March 2025 until funding has been secured.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 79400000 - Business and management consultancy and related services

Indicators

• Options are available.

Other Information

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