DHSC:NIHR Support Services: Public Partnerships and Maximising Research Impact

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) supports Ministers in leading the nation's health and social care to enable everyone to live more independent, healthier lives, for longer. DHSC invests significantly in research and development (R&D) to support the delivery of its objectives, primarily through the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR). Through NIHR, DHSC provides evidence to improve the health of the public and outcomes for patients and inform decisions on the effectiveness, efficiency and safety of the health and care system.<br/><br/>The DHSC:NIHR Support Services: Public Partnerships and Maximising Research Impact contract was awarded for the provision of services from 1st April 2025 for a period of 7 years (with a five year break clause) to meet the following strategic objectives:<br/>- improve the way partnerships with people and communities in health and care research work (this includes research involvement, participation, and engagement - referred to as ‘public partnerships’)<br/>- improve how NIHR research is disseminated, and knowledge is mobilised to facilitate uptake and adoption of insights from research (referred to as ‘maximising impact’)<br/>- act as an integral part of National Institute for Health Research Coordinating Centre - working collaboratively within NIHRCC and across NIHRCC & Clinical Research Network Coordinating Centre a co-ordinated, joined-up organisation.<br/><br/>The total awarded contract value is £18,998,512.00 (ex-vat) which was sub-divided as follows:<br/>- services that form the bulk of the deliverables (including any transition costs).<br/>- Authority Emergent Services (unforeseeable services that may emerge throughout the life of the contract).<br/>A market engagement event was held on 1st August 2023, followed by a Competitive Procedure with Negotiation.<br/>Stage 1 - potential suppliers were invited to complete the Standard Selection Questionnaire and successful suppliers were then invited to participate in Stage 2.<br/>Stage 2 - three suppliers were successful at Stage 1 and were invited to submit an initial tender. Following evaluation of the initial tender, the Authority selected two (2) suppliers who met the requisite criteria to participate in negotiations. Following negotiations, suppliers were invited to submit a final tender for evaluation.<br/>No challenges were received during the standstill period and one successful supplier was awarded the contract to deliver the services following the standstill period.