Research and development services and related consultancy services

Tender description

The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (the CA) wish to appoint suitably qualified consultants to carry out a high-level impact evaluation of the non-transport projects and programmes that have been delivered as part of the 2014 Growth Deal that was agreed between the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership and Government. The strategic economic plan provided the context for the growth deal and the pursuit of the objectives within it informed the design, development and delivery of the subsequent projects and programmes. The key output from this commission will be a detailed insight into the value for money achieved through the Growth Deal. A broad range of projects have been undertaken as part of the growth deal and an overarching methodology that acknowledges the challenges that this creates and how these will be addressed will be key. There will be a need to consider direct, indirect and catalytic impacts that have been achieved and to consider those that are expected to result. As such a range of different outputs, impacts and benefits will need to be quantified and, where possible, monetised. The work will require both primary and secondary research engaging with staff within the combined authority, key stakeholders and beneficiaries. Detailed monitoring data will be made available alongside business cases, evaluation reports and project closure reports. A detailed final report will be required which will include findings and key recommendations in terms of future projects. This will sit alongside a draft report and a small number of presentations of the key findings to internal staff and external stakeholders expressions of interest are invited by Monday 23rd November, to enable potential bidders to receive the ITT documents. Expressions of Interest received after this date will not be responded to. The primary output will be a written report which outlines the findings from the research and analysis that will be undertaken as part of this commission. The report will be required to address all of the objectives listed within this tender. The consultant will be required to produce a draft report and following comment and review from the CA will then provide a final report. Progress will be monitored through a series of agreed meetings. Progress reports will be provided in advance of these meetings and these will be used alongside the project plan to structure discussions. The consultant will be required to deliver two presentations. One shall be to the senior managers and decision makers within the combined authority and the other to key staff involved in the development and delivery of the growth deal.