The Department for Business and Trade - Early Market Engagement Event for Multi-Vendor Marketplace Management System.

The Department for Business and Trade (“DBT”) has a potential requirement for the provision of A Multi-Vendor Marketplace Management System to host the Export Support Directory, a single online tool which will include a range of providers supporting UK based firms which are seeking external support in international or domestic markets. DBT has not reached a final decision on the future of this requirement, and this early market engagement event is purely exploratory and does not commit DBT to future commercial activity. The future software solution will support existing service delivery teams refer their clients to external providers, which have been pre-vetted by the customer and listed on the directory. The tool will act as an interface for: DBT client businesses to shop with the pre-vetted service providers following a referral from DBT advisers. External providers to register on the directory and submit their documentation. DBT staff to maintain the directory including vetting and publishing provider listings. The current service delivers this requirement through multiple disparate databases across various geographical locations (markets), which are shared with external clients on an adhoc basis. The aim of this software will be to integrate the existing spreadsheets into a single database which can be accessed online and used by external clients. Clients can submit enquiries to providers through the tool. The tool has the facility for providers to login and communicate directly with clients. The main objectives of the early market engagement event: Suppliers have a better understanding of what DBT want to achieve for any future procurement, so we encourage suppliers to ask questions. DBT have a better understanding about what the market might be able to deliver, to help inform our future decision making. Suppliers will be asked to complete a request for information (RFI) after the event. Next steps: DBT will hold an early market engagement event virtually on MS teams on the Wednesday 22 March 2023 (2pm-3pm) and invite suppliers to register their interest to attend the event. Suppliers will be required to sign NDAs before attending the event. Please register for the event by emailing: commercialddat@trade.gov.uk Please note the deadline for requests to participate is 5pm on Wednesday 15 March. If you are unable to attend the event but are interested in this requirement, then please email: commercialddat@trade.gov.uk