Source: https://tendernation.io/opportunities/01a13d19-b39b-73ee-a3d6-bbf46b804d08/improving-innovation-procurement-for-the-innovation-research-ir-designated awarded GB restricted procedure Suitable for SMEs # Improving innovation procurement for the Innovation & Research (I&R) Designated Fund [National Highways Limited](https://tendernation.io/buyers/national-highways-limited) Estimated value £70,000 Published 24 Aug 2026 Deadline Closed 24 Aug 2026 ## Who can bid - Buyer says suitable for SMEs The buyer ticked “suitable for SMEs” on the notice. Anyone can still bid. - Small contract value Valued under £135,018 including VAT, the lowest Procurement Act threshold for goods and services. [More contracts for small businesses and VCSEs](https://tendernation.io/opportunities/for-small-businesses) ## About this tender This is a call-off from an existing National Highways Framework Agreement. This work directly impacts our Innovation and Research Designated Fund (I&R DF). In Year 1 of RIS3, NH used a two-stage innovation competition model. This starts with an open call and market engagement, followed by procurement. NH wants to assess whether this approach can be improved for Year 2. Including: - Exploring a single-stage model that may be simpler, more scalable and less resource intensive for Innovation, Procurement and the wider business. - Comparing the internal vs. external delivery of competitions. The overall aim is to make the process easier and more accessible for both NH and the wider supply chain, including SMEs. The appointed supplier will undertake a structured programme of review, analysis and option development to evaluate National Highways' current procurement approach associated with the Open Call and identify opportunities to improve simplicity, fairness, supplier experience and internal resource efficiency. This will include a retrospective assessment of the interim Year 1 activity, from initiation of the Open Call through to completion of the procurement exercise and contract award. ### Deliverables - Summary of lessons from using the two-stage model in Year 1 (interim year). - Review of whether a single-stage competition could work better in Year 2/future. - Comparison of internal delivery versus using external innovation services. - Recommendations to improve future innovation procurement, with a focus on simplicity, fairness, supplier experience and internal resource efficiency while ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and subsidy control requirements. - A plan to implement agreed changes in Year 2 of RIS3/future. - Delivery mechanism matrix reviewed and optimised. Read full description ## CPV classification Research services Source Contracts Finder (UK) [View official notice](https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/notice/40e0f200-2914-4def-a192-ea16ffe29f3c) Never miss a tender like this again Get AI summaries, deadline alerts and a bid pipeline for tenders matched to your business. Free to start. 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