GMCA 2197 MBacc Evaluation & Learning

Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is inviting prospective suppliers to take part in preliminary market engagement for the potential future appointment of an independent Evaluation and Learning Partner for the MBacc Award. The potential commission would evaluate the programme’s implementation, effectiveness, inclusivity and early outcomes, drawing on engagement with young people, schools, colleges, employers and other key stakeholders. The partner would be expected to develop and deliver a proportionate mixed-method evaluation, provide timely learning to inform programme development, and produce interim and final evaluation reports.

The evaluation would include appropriate consideration of disadvantaged learners, including young people with special educational needs and disabilities and those in alternative provision. Through this engagement, GMCA is seeking supplier feedback on the proposed scope and methodology, deliverability and timescales, data and research requirements, market capacity, commercial considerations and the potential procurement approach. In particular, feedback is requested on indicative costs, key pricing assumptions and principal cost drivers.

How to respond Suppliers wishing to participate should review the market engagement information within the attached Request for Information document. Further details on the nature and scope of the requirements can be found within the embedded draft specification. Deadline for clarification questions: 5pm Monday 26th October 2026 Deadline for market engagement responses: 5pm Friday 30th October 2026 Clarification questions may be sent to eleanor.

walsh@greatermanchester-ca. gov. uk by the clarification deadline above.

This market engagement exercise does not form part of a formal procurement process and does not commit GMCA to undertake a procurement, enter into a contract or reimburse suppliers for any costs incurred in responding. Any information provided at this stage is indicative, subject to change and will not be evaluated as part of any future procurement process. GMCA will consider the feedback received when refining the potential commission, but may not adopt all suggestions.