← Back to search results

ClosedFind a Tender · UK4

Matrix Standard administration and management

Buyer: Department for Education →

View official notice ↗Official source

BuyerDepartment for Education
StatusClosed
Deadline28 Aug 2026
Value£3,000,000
Published3 Aug 2026

What is being bought

The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work. The contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually. The successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including: delivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners management and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services management of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development quality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard provision of management information and reporting to the Department promotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake stakeholder engagement across a range of sectors The service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches. This will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.

Delivery location

UK, GB

Categories

Education and training services 80000000

Lot details

Lot 1

No lot description published.

Statusactive
Value£3,000,000
Contract periodFrom 1 Feb 2027 to 31 Jan 2028
SME suitabilitySuitable for SMEs

What is included

ItemCategoryQuantity
1Education and training servicesNot published

Comparable-procurement analytics

Benchmarked against retained Find a Tender procedures with CPV division 80. The category anchor is Education and training services (80000000); this is a deliberately broad market comparator. The comparison is shown at several levels rather than pretending one company or region is always the best benchmark.

Comparison setProceduresReported bids per procedureNamed award suppliersPrice evidence
Market: CPV division 803,8492 median · 31.4 average (1,628 of 3,849 with a bid count)3.1 average (1,769 of 3,849 with named award suppliers)1 comparable price pairs
Same buyer24Not publishedNot publishedNot published
Delivery region: UK1,4081 median · 21.8 average (761 of 1,408 with a bid count)2 average (828 of 1,408 with named award suppliers)Not published
Similar published value (0.5×–2×)26121 median · 16.7 average (3 of 261 with a bid count)12.3 average (3 of 261 with named award suppliers)Not published

“Reported bids” is an official aggregate, sometimes reported per lot; it is the closest available competition measure. “Named award suppliers” are winners, not all applicants.

Price-outcome signal

Not enough comparable procedures currently publish both a GBP tender value and a usable lowest-valid-bid value to calculate a responsible price-reduction benchmark. Tenderline deliberately does not infer a saving from named award suppliers or from missing award values.

Procurement strategy & market signals

Framework agreementNot published
Dynamic purchasing systemNot published
Competitive procurementNot published
Recurring requirementNot published
Procurement method rationaleNot published
Rationale classificationsNot published
Special regimeconcession
Covered byNot published
Submission policyallowed
Selection criteriaNot published
Risk detailsNot published

Planning & early market engagement

BudgetNot published
No-engagement rationaleNot published
Planning documents0
Planning milestones0

No planning milestones published.

Related procurements

No linked framework, prior procurement or reprocurement published.

Documents & submission route

Source data inventory

Diagnostic view. “Not published” means this current release does not provide a value.

OCIDocds-h6vhtk-069af0
Latest release ID073161-2026
Latest release timestampMon Aug 03 2026 12:04:28 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)
Sourcefind-a-tender
Official notice URLhttps://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073161-2026
Tender statusactive
Procurement methodopen
Procurement method detailsBelow threshold - open competition
Main procurement categoryservices
Above thresholdNo
Legal basis2023/54
Tender period: startNot published
Tender period: end2026-08-28T12:00:00+01:00
Expression of interest deadlineNot published
Enquiry deadline2026-08-10T12:00:00+01:00
Award period: startNot published
Award period: endNot published
Submission method detailsPlease submit your bid via Jaggaer https://education.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61344
Submission languagesNot published
Electronic catalogue policyNot published
Total tender value£3,000,000
Tender lots in source1
Tender items in source1
Tender documents in source1
Awards in latest release0
Contracts in latest release0
Parties in latest release1

Notice history

DateEventReference
3 Aug 2026tender073161-2026
14 Jul 2026planningUpdate066479-2026
23 Jun 2026planningUpdate058763-2026
18 May 2026planning045336-2026

All source data

Unmodified official OCDS data retained by Tenderline for this procurement process.

Complete current OCDS release JSON
{
  "id": "073161-2026",
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-03T13:04:28+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069af0",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "Matrix Standard 2026",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": {
          "amount": 3000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 3600000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The contract shall commence on 1 February 2027 and shall run for an initial term of one (1) year until 31 January 2028.\nThe Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion and subject to satisfactory performance, to extend the contract for up to two further optional extension periods of one (1) year each:\n•\tOptional Extension Period 1: 1 February 2028 to 31 January 2029\n•\tOptional Extension Period 2: 1 February 29 to 31st January 2030\nThe maximum possible contract term is three (3) years"
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "awardCriteria": {
          "description": "Award will be based on the Most Advantageous Tender. Bids will be evaluated for compliance and then scored on quality criteria (including social value). The contract will be awarded to the highest scoring tenderer following due diligence and approval processes."
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-01-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-02-01T00:00:00+00:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-01-31T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "Participation is open to all suppliers that meet the conditions of participation set out in the procurement documents. Suppliers must successfully complete the compliance stage, including Supplier Information and Conditions of Participation, financial viability assessment, and other mandatory qualification requirements"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "80000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Education and training services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Matrix Standard administration and management",
    "value": {
      "amount": 3000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 3600000
    },
    "status": "active",
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "073161-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073161-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "tenderNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-03T13:04:28+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.\nThe contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually.\nThe successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including:\ndelivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners\nmanagement and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services\nmanagement of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development\nquality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard\nprovision of management information and reporting to the Department\npromotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake\nstakeholder engagement across a range of sectors\nThe service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches.\nThis will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-28T12:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-10T12:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "concession"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": false,
    "submissionTerms": {
      "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "submissionMethodDetails": "Please submit your bid via Jaggaer https://education.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61344",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Department of Education",
        "email": "core.procurement@education.gov.uk",
        "telephone": "+442476231221"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
Complete JSON history (4 releases)
3 Aug 2026 · 073161-2026 · tender
{
  "id": "073161-2026",
  "tag": [
    "tender"
  ],
  "date": "2026-08-03T13:04:28+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069af0",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "Matrix Standard 2026",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": {
          "amount": 3000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 3600000
        },
        "status": "active",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The contract shall commence on 1 February 2027 and shall run for an initial term of one (1) year until 31 January 2028.\nThe Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion and subject to satisfactory performance, to extend the contract for up to two further optional extension periods of one (1) year each:\n•\tOptional Extension Period 1: 1 February 2028 to 31 January 2029\n•\tOptional Extension Period 2: 1 February 29 to 31st January 2030\nThe maximum possible contract term is three (3) years"
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "awardCriteria": {
          "description": "Award will be based on the Most Advantageous Tender. Bids will be evaluated for compliance and then scored on quality criteria (including social value). The contract will be awarded to the highest scoring tenderer following due diligence and approval processes."
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-01-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-02-01T00:00:00+00:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-01-31T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "selectionCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "Participation is open to all suppliers that meet the conditions of participation set out in the procurement documents. Suppliers must successfully complete the compliance stage, including Supplier Information and Conditions of Participation, financial viability assessment, and other mandatory qualification requirements"
            }
          ]
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "80000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Education and training services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Matrix Standard administration and management",
    "value": {
      "amount": 3000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 3600000
    },
    "status": "active",
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "073161-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/073161-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "tenderNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-08-03T13:04:28+01:00"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "description": "The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.\nThe contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually.\nThe successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including:\ndelivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners\nmanagement and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services\nmanagement of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development\nquality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard\nprovision of management information and reporting to the Department\npromotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake\nstakeholder engagement across a range of sectors\nThe service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches.\nThis will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-28T12:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-10T12:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "concession"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": false,
    "submissionTerms": {
      "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed"
    },
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "submissionMethodDetails": "Please submit your bid via Jaggaer https://education.app.jaggaer.com/esop/guest/go/opportunity/detail?opportunityId=61344",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Department of Education",
        "email": "core.procurement@education.gov.uk",
        "telephone": "+442476231221"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
14 Jul 2026 · 066479-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "066479-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-07-14T17:25:07+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069af0",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "Matrix Standard 2026",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": {
          "amount": 3000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 3600000
        },
        "status": "planned",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "54.\tThe contract shall commence on 1 February 2027 and shall run for an initial term of one (1) year until 31 January 2028.\n55.\tThe Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion and subject to satisfactory performance, to extend the contract for up to two further optional extension periods of one (1) year each:\n•\tOptional Extension Period 1: 1 February 2028 to 31 January 2029\n•\tOptional Extension Period 2: 1 February 29 to 31st January 2030\nThe maximum possible contract term is three (3) years."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "awardCriteria": {
          "description": "Tenders will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender, taking into account both quality and price-related factors, appropriate to a concession contract model."
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2028-01-31T23:59:59+00:00",
          "startDate": "2027-02-01T00:00:00+00:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-01-31T23:59:59+00:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "72225000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "System quality assurance assessment and review services"
          },
          {
            "id": "80000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Education and training services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Matrix Standard administration and management",
    "value": {
      "amount": 3000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 3600000
    },
    "status": "planned",
    "amendments": [
      {
        "id": "066479-2026",
        "description": "The ITT publication date has changed along with the contract start date"
      }
    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasElectronicAuction": true
    },
    "description": "The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.\nThe contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually.\nThe successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including:\ndelivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners\nmanagement and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services\nmanagement of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development\nquality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard\nprovision of management information and reporting to the Department\npromotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake\nstakeholder engagement across a range of sectors\nThe service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches.\nThis will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-28T23:59:00+01:00"
    },
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-08-03T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-10T12:00:00+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "concession"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": false,
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Department of Education",
        "email": "core.procurement@education.gov.uk",
        "telephone": "+442476231221"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "066479-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066479-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK3",
        "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-07-14T17:25:07+01:00"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
23 Jun 2026 · 058763-2026 · planningUpdate
{
  "id": "058763-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planningUpdate"
  ],
  "date": "2026-06-23T09:27:43+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069af0",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "Matrix Standard 2026",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": {
          "amount": 3000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 3600000
        },
        "status": "planned",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The contract shall commence on 1 October 2026 and shall run for an initial term of one (1) year until 30 September 2027. \nThe Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion and subject to satisfactory performance, to extend the contract for up to two further optional extension periods of one (1) year each: \nOptional Extension Period 1: 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2028 \nOptional Extension Period 2: 1 October 2028 to 30 September 2029 \nThe maximum possible contract term is three (3) years."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "awardCriteria": {
          "description": "Tenders will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender, taking into account both quality and price-related factors, appropriate to a concession contract model."
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-09-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "72225000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "System quality assurance assessment and review services"
          },
          {
            "id": "80000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Education and training services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Matrix Standard administration and management",
    "value": {
      "amount": 3000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 3600000
    },
    "status": "planned",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasElectronicAuction": true
    },
    "description": "The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.\nThe contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually.\nThe successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including:\ndelivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners\nmanagement and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services\nmanagement of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development\nquality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard\nprovision of management information and reporting to the Department\npromotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake\nstakeholder engagement across a range of sectors\nThe service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches.\nThis will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-21T23:59:00+01:00"
    },
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-07-27T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-08-03T23:59:00+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "concession"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": false,
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Department of Education",
        "email": "core.procurement@education.gov.uk",
        "telephone": "+442476231221"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "058763-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/058763-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK3",
        "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-06-23T09:27:43+01:00"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}
18 May 2026 · 045336-2026 · planning
{
  "id": "045336-2026",
  "tag": [
    "planning"
  ],
  "date": "2026-05-18T13:10:30+01:00",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-069af0",
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
    "name": "Department for Education"
  },
  "tender": {
    "id": "Matrix Standard 2026",
    "lots": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "value": {
          "amount": 3000000,
          "currency": "GBP",
          "amountGross": 3600000
        },
        "status": "planned",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The contract shall commence on 1 October 2026 and shall run for an initial term of one (1) year until 30 September 2027. \nThe Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion and subject to satisfactory performance, to extend the contract for up to two further optional extension periods of one (1) year each: \nOptional Extension Period 1: 1 October 2027 to 30 September 2028 \nOptional Extension Period 2: 1 October 2028 to 30 September 2029 \nThe maximum possible contract term is three (3) years."
        },
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "description": null,
        "suitability": {
          "sme": true,
          "vcse": true
        },
        "awardCriteria": {
          "description": "Tenders will be evaluated on the basis of the most economically advantageous tender, taking into account both quality and price-related factors, appropriate to a concession contract model."
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-10-01T00:00:00+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2029-09-30T23:59:59+01:00"
        }
      }
    ],
    "items": [
      {
        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1",
        "deliveryAddresses": [
          {
            "region": "UK",
            "country": "GB",
            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
          }
        ],
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "id": "72225000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "System quality assurance assessment and review services"
          },
          {
            "id": "80000000",
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "description": "Education and training services"
          }
        ]
      }
    ],
    "title": "Matrix Standard administration and management",
    "value": {
      "amount": 3000000,
      "currency": "GBP",
      "amountGross": 3600000
    },
    "status": "planned",
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents",
      "scheme": "UKPGA"
    },
    "techniques": {
      "hasElectronicAuction": true
    },
    "description": "The Department for Education is seeking to procure an organisation to manage, administer and deliver the matrix Standard, the Government’s quality standard for the provision of information, advice and guidance on learning and work.\nThe contract will cover the delivery of a nationwide assessment and accreditation service for organisations seeking certification against the matrix Standard, including initial assessments, certification reviews and annual Continuous Improvement Checks (CICs). As at December 2025, approximately 1,380 organisations are accredited, with several hundred assessments and checks undertaken annually.\nThe successful provider will be responsible for the effective end-to-end management of the Standard, including:\ndelivery of assessment and accreditation services through a network of qualified independent practitioners\nmanagement and maintenance of the matrix Standard website and associated digital services\nmanagement of the practitioner register, including recruitment, training and ongoing professional development\nquality assurance of assessment and certification processes to ensure consistency and integrity of the Standard\nprovision of management information and reporting to the Department\npromotion and marketing of the matrix Standard to increase awareness and uptake\nstakeholder engagement across a range of sectors\nThe service must be delivered across England and may include wider UK coverage, with assessments undertaken through a range of delivery methods including on-site, remote and hybrid approaches.\nThis will be a concession contract, with the service funded through fees charged to organisations for assessments and continuous improvement checks, and registration fees paid by practitioners.",
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-07-17T23:59:00+01:00"
    },
    "communication": {
      "futureNoticeDate": "2026-06-29T23:59:59+01:00"
    },
    "enquiryPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-07-03T23:59:00+01:00"
    },
    "specialRegime": [
      "concession"
    ],
    "aboveThreshold": false,
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Below threshold - open competition"
  },
  "buyerID": [],
  "parties": [
    {
      "id": "GB-PPON-PDZG-3487-DPVD",
      "name": "Department for Education",
      "roles": [
        "buyer"
      ],
      "address": {
        "region": "UKI32",
        "country": "GB",
        "locality": "London",
        "postalCode": "SW1P3BT",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "streetAddress": "Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street"
      },
      "details": {
        "classifications": [
          {
            "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
            "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
            "description": "Public authority - central government"
          }
        ]
      },
      "identifier": {
        "id": "PDZG-3487-DPVD",
        "scheme": "GB-PPON"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "name": "Department of Education",
        "email": "core.procurement@education.gov.uk",
        "telephone": "+442476231221"
      }
    }
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "planning": {
    "documents": [
      {
        "id": "045336-2026",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/045336-2026",
        "format": "text/html",
        "noticeType": "UK3",
        "description": "Planned procurement notice on Find a Tender",
        "documentType": "plannedProcurementNotice",
        "datePublished": "2026-05-18T13:10:30+01:00"
      }
    ]
  },
  "initiationType": "tender"
}