AwardedAwarded 25 September 2026

Bioeconomy/Engineering Biology Expert Consultancy

Centre for Process Innovation Limited · Public undertaking

In brief

Centre for Process Innovation Limited awarded research work to Urban Foresight Limited, IfM Engage Ltd and Perspective Economics Limited and 8 others on 25 September 2026.

It is a framework worth up to £350,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 2 years, up to 3 years with extensions, starting 10 August 2026.

It is split into 4 lots, so a supplier can bid for part of the work.

The buyer says it is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

What the notice says

CPI requires access to a pool of specialist consultants, to complement its own internal knowledge and experience related to the strategic development of the UK’s Bioeconomy/Engineering Biology capabilities in support of the UK Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy and its Plan for Change missions. The Industrial Strategy highlights Engineering Biology (EB) as a Frontier Technology focus area for the UK. EB, and the Bioeconomy more broadly, directly supports five of the eight Industrial Strategy Priority sectors – Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy Industries, Defence, Life Sciences and Digital and Technologies. CPI works with the UK Government, partners and stakeholder in the development of business cases and strategic proposals to help address national opportunities in these areas and is seeking to establish a procurement framework which enables it to flexibly and responsively bring in specialist input external to the organisation to assist with these activities.

Lots

LotTradeValue
Lot 1 – Strategy & Economic Development
10 August 2026 to 9 August 2028
What this lot covers

Services under this Lot will include, but are not limited to: Business Model Development Consultants will support the design and development of robust, commercially viable business models for new and existing initiatives. This includes assessing market opportunities, value propositions, revenue streams, cost structures, and delivery models. Outputs may contribute to business cases, funding applications, or strategic proposals for both programme delivery and capital investment. Influencing Local, Regional and National Government Consultants will provide strategic support to help shape and influence policy, funding, and investment decisions across local, regional, and national government. This may include stakeholder mapping, development of engagement strategies, preparation of briefing materials, and contribution to policy-aligned proposals. Consultants should demonstrate an understanding of government priorities, funding mechanisms, and the wider innovation ecosystem.

Research and development£105,000
Lot 2 – Commercial, Supply Chain and Business Transformation
10 August 2026 to 9 August 2028
What this lot covers

Services under this Lot will include, but are not limited to: Supply Chain Mapping Consultants will analyse and map existing and emerging supply chains, identifying key actors, capabilities, gaps, and risks. This includes assessing resilience, scalability, and opportunities for localisation or optimisation to support sector growth. Stakeholder Mapping, Development and Engagement Consultants will identify and assess key stakeholders across industry, academia, and government, and develop structured engagement strategies. This may include facilitating collaboration, supporting partnership development, and enabling effective communication across complex ecosystems. Business Model Development Consultants will support the development and refinement of commercially viable business models, ensuring alignment with market demand, operational capability, and long-term sustainability. Outputs may feed into business cases, strategic proposals, and investment planning. Investment Analysis & Development Consultants will provide financial and commercial analysis to support investment decisions, including cost modelling, funding strategies, economic impact assessment, and development of investment-ready propositions. Professional Services Development Consultants will support CPI in defining and developing service offerings, ensuring they are commercially robust, clearly positioned in the market, and aligned with customer and stakeholder needs.

Research and development£90,000
Lot 3 - Technical, Infrastructure and Skills Delivery
10 August 2026 to 9 August 2028
What this lot covers

Services under this Lot will include, but are not limited to: Infrastructure Development, Design & Build Consultants will support the development of technical infrastructure, including concept design, feasibility assessment, and input into design and build phases. This may include facilities for research, scale-up, or manufacturing, ensuring alignment with technical requirements, regulatory standards, and future scalability. Consideration should also be given to skills requirements, operational models, and integration with existing capabilities.

Research and development£80,000
Lot 4 - Policy & Legislation
10 August 2026 to 9 August 2028
What this lot covers

Services under this Lot will include, but are not limited to: Policy & Legislation Development Consultants will support the development of policy positions, regulatory frameworks, and legislative proposals. This may include policy analysis, benchmarking, drafting of briefing/white papers, and contributing to consultations. Consultants should demonstrate an understanding of the regulatory landscape and provide insight to support effective, forward-looking policy development. With regard to assessing the quality of the consultants’ work, CPI will liaise with the consultant in advance of work starting to ensure deliverables/KPI’s are aligned with CPI’s needs. Compliance Requirements The Contractor shall maintain appropriate governance, policies, and procedures to ensure full compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements relevant to the services. A formal Quality Management System, aligned with ISO 9001 (or equivalent), must be in place to support quality assurance, performance management, auditability, and continuous improvement throughout the contract term Performance Requirements Performance requirements shall be defined on a call-off basis and tailored to the specific scope, complexity, and objectives of each individual requirement. For each call-off, CPI will set out the applicable performance standards, deliverables and timescales relevant to the Services being procured. The Contractor shall meet or exceed all such requirements as specified within the relevant call-off documentation. Where applicable, performance will be monitored against agreed milestones, outputs, and quality expectations. Failure to meet the defined performance requirements may result in the application of appropriate contractual remedies, as set out in the Contract. The Contractor shall ensure sufficient resources, capability, and management arrangements are in place to deliver the Services in accordance with the performance requirements specified for each call-off.

Research and development£75,000

Who won

WinnerLotValueDates
Urban Foresight Limited (SME)
IfM Engage Ltd (SME)
Perspective Economics Limited (SME)
Optimat Limited (SME)
BioConsulting International Ltd (SME)
7 bids received
Lot 1 – Strategy & Economic Development£105,000
Awarded 25 September 2026
Urban Foresight Limited (SME)
Optimat Limited (SME)
BioConsulting International Ltd (SME)
Britest Limited (SME)
NNFCC Limited (SME)
5 bids received
Lot 2 – Commercial, Supply Chain and Business Transformation£90,000
Awarded 25 September 2026
Cube Cleantech Limited (SME)
BioConsulting International Ltd (SME)
TransitionHERO B.V. (SME)
4 bids received
Lot 3 - Technical, Infrastructure and Skills Delivery£80,000
Awarded 25 September 2026
Urban Foresight Limited (SME)
Camrosh Limited (SME)
IfM Engage Ltd (SME)
NNFCC Limited (SME)
ForgeFront Ltd. (SME)
7 bids received
Lot 4 - Policy & Legislation£75,000
Awarded 25 September 2026

Values as the award notice gives them, excluding VAT where stated.

Timeline

  1. Tender notice · UK4, notice 060578-2026
  2. Tender notice · UK4, notice 063290-2026
  3. Contract award notice · UK6, notice 091444-2026

About the buyer

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From notice 060578-2026 on Find a Tender, first published 29 June 2026, last updated 28 September 2026. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.