UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

DCMS are seeking to commission "what works" research into the impact and effectiveness of AI adoption interventions within DCMS sectors. We are interested in two broad sets of questions. The first is analysis of how businesses within DCMS sectors that are in the process of adopting AI achieve this, the challenges they face and the opportunities and benefits realised. We anticipate this will be explored through an ethnographic study that observes how individuals and teams actually use AI tools in their jobs. The second set of questions is what policy interventions work best to support businesses that wish to adopt AI, which we anticipate will be answered by testing hypothetical interventions through randomised control trials (RCTs). Bidders will be able to propose alternative methodologies if they think they suit these questions better; the core need for this project is to produce direct, robust evidence of what works, as opposed to what is self-reported (e.g. through interviews, focus groups, surveys, and similar) to work. This project will be commissioned either through a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, or through the RM6126 Research and Insights framework. This is part of the DCMS Science and Analysis R&D Programme, which supports R&D capability within the department. This project will run concurrently aside three other large projects across 2027-2030, these include; mapping the specific "user pathways" audiences take to find, consume, and value information; a continuation of previous research to develop data-intensive approaches for capturing engagement at unticketed cultural, heritage, and sporting events/activities/locations, e.g. using mobile app data to model how people participate in our events; and a continuation of previous research to design and improve methods for holistically tracking the long-term impact of major events, tested on a major event.

The Event Management Framework 2 (EMF2) is being developed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) to provide a modern, flexible, and accessible route to market for government event requirements. The framework will enable departments and arm’s-length bodies to procure specialist Tier 2 event goods and services in a consistent, structured, and efficient way. EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST: DCMS is seeking Expressions of Interest for this opportunity. To confirm your interest, please provide the following information to [email protected]: > Company Name > Point of Contact > The specific Lot(s) you are interested in bidding for > If you are an SME (Small, Medium Sized Enterprise) > If you have previously worked with a government or public sector organisation. FRAMEWORK INFORMATION: EMF2 is being procured as an Open Framework structured into the following lots: Lot 1 - Stewarding, Crowd Management & Event Operations Covers stewarding, crowd control, and operational staffing required to support safe and effective event delivery. Includes: 1A Stewarding Services 1B Event Operations Staffing Lot 2 - Security, Accreditation & Screening Services Covers event security support functions, including access control, screening, surveillance, and accreditation systems. Includes: 2A Accreditation & Pass Systems 2B Screening & Search Services 2C CCTV & Surveillance 2D Messaging & Public Information Systems Lot 3 - Temporary Structures & Event Infrastructure Covers the supply, installation, maintenance, and dismantling of temporary structures and event infrastructure. Includes: 3A Temporary Structures 3B Marquees & Temporary Buildings 3C Staging Solutions 3D Seating & Furniture Hire Lot 4 - Audio Visual, Broadcast & Communications Covers audiovisual production, broadcast capability, and communications infrastructure for live, hybrid, and virtual events, including installation and ongoing technical support. Includes: 4A Video & Display Systems 4B Audio & PA Systems 4C Lighting Systems 4D Radio & Communications 4E WiFi & Connectivity 4F Signage and Events Marketing production Lot 5 - Utilities, Power & Engineering Services Covers essential utilities and engineering services required for event delivery. Includes: 5A Temporary Power 5B Portable Water Services 5C Masts & Technical Rigging Lot 6 - Sanitation, Waste & Environmental Services Covers welfare, sanitation, and environmental management services for events. Includes: 6A Toilets & Sanitation 6B Waste Removal & Recycling Lot 7 - Medical, Safety & Fire Services Covers medical provision, site safety, and fire prevention and response services. Includes: 7A Medical Services 7B Site Safety Services 7C Fire Safety & Protection Lot 8 - Accessibility & Inclusion Services Covers services that ensure events are accessible and inclusive for all audiences. Includes: 8A BSL & Accessibility Support 8B Inclusive Communications Services EMF2 will operate through call-offs, which may take the form of: Further Competition - the preferred route for larger or more complex procurements Below Threshold Procurements - in accordance with PPN 005 Direct Award - where appropriate under the framework terms The framework will consist of a framework agreement between DCMS and appointed suppliers, supported by standardised call-off templates used between suppliers and contracting authorities for individual event requirements. EMF2 seeks to strengthen the UK events sector, support innovation, and improve access to government supply chains for suppliers, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, safe, and reliable event services. For information on EMF1 please see the below notice: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077997-2025