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Published 3 Jul 2026, 15:14 BST

Official UK procurement notice

PR and Content Support Framework

Official notice

Authority: North East Combined Authority (Local council)

Open framework schemeServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdLight touch regimeSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Business Services & Consultancy (79) Delivery: North East (UKC14)
Framework ceiling (notional)£500,000framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 4 Aug 2026
Framework period 2 yrsends 1 Oct 2028 · up to 1 Oct 2030 with extensions · starts 1 Oct 2026

What is being bought

Published requirement description

The North East Mayoral Strategic Combined Authority (North East MSA) is inviting suitably qualified and experienced suppliers to tender for appointment to a PR and Content Support services framework.

The purpose of this framework is to establish access to reliable, flexible and professional PR and editorial services as and when required. It will enable the Authority to commission services quickly while maintaining fair Suppliers will help the Authority:

  • Identify and engage target audiences for maximum communications impact
  • Source and develop news stories, case studies and feature content
  • Enhance media relations and press activity across print, broadcast, digital and social channels
  • Support delivery of regional campaigns aligned with the Authority's priorities, competition, transparent procurement and value for money.

Suppliers may apply as individuals, partnerships or agencies. Up to six suppliers will be appointed to this framework.

The estimated total value is £500,000 excl. VAT across the framework term.

CPV: Public relations consultancy services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Type
Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
Call-offs
call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
Places
up to 6 suppliers
Framework period
2 yrs · up to 4 yrs from 1 Oct 2026
Scheme runs until
1 Oct 2030
Published description of the framework

Call off contracts will be awarded by either Direct Award and/or Mini Competition

The lotProcurement structure

single lot · value published
Lot #1Renewal 2 yrsSMEVCSEPublished value£500,000
Contract period: 1 Oct 2026 – 1 Oct 2028 (2 yrs) · up to 1 Oct 2030 with extensionsValue: £500,000 exc. VAT · £600,000 inc. VAT
Delivery: North EastEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: Two years with the option to extend by a further two years (2 + 1 + 1).
79416200 Public relations consultancy services

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored
Quality: 80%Price: 20%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Quality
  • Price
What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 20 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 2 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “PR and Content Support Framework” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 6 suppliers, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Closed
Procurement threshold
Above threshold (FTS publication)
Regulatory regime
Light touch regime
Commercial structure
Open framework scheme
Who may use this agreement
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Unspecified in notice
Recurring procurement
Unspecified in notice
First published
3 Jul 2026, 15:14 BST
Last source update
3 Jul 2026, 15:14 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 15 Sept 2026
Authority reference
OPEN20261093
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-062888
Latest notice
Tender notice (UK4)
Classification (CPV)
Public relations consultancy services
Delivery area
North East (UKC14)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c39f Find a Tender

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: OPEN-UK
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free
Appointment period ends
4 Aug 2026, 17:00 BST
Clarification deadline
27 Jul 2026, 17:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

www.open-uk.org ↗

Reference: OPEN20261093

Timeline

3 Jul 2026 → 1 Oct 2026 · 5 dates
  1. Tender notice published116 days ago
    3 Jul 2026, 15:14 BST
  2. Clarification questions by92 days ago
    27 Jul 2026, 17:00 BST
  3. Admission / appointment period ends84 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    4 Aug 2026, 17:00 BST
  4. Award decision expected by42 days ago
    15 Sept 2026, 23:59 BST
  5. Contract starts27 days ago
    1 Oct 2026, 00:00 BST

Notice history

1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender
  1. Tender notice published
    3 Jul 2026, 15:14 BST
    UK4

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

North East Combined Authority

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PJMR-6594-BRGH The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle Upon Tyne, North East, NE4 5BZContact email

Official documents & specifications (1)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender