250286 Framework Agreement for the Provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services

{
  "buyer": {
    "id": "GB-NIC-101788",
    "name": "Queen\u0027s University Belfast"
  },
  "date": "2026-03-03T16:07:46Z",
  "id": "019152-2026",
  "initiationType": "tender",
  "language": "en",
  "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-064968",
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      "address": {
        "country": "GB",
        "countryName": "United Kingdom",
        "locality": "Belfast",
        "postalCode": "BT7 1NN",
        "region": "UKN06",
        "streetAddress": "University Rd"
      },
      "contactPoint": {
        "email": "procurement@qub.ac.uk"
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      "id": "GB-NIC-101788",
      "identifier": {
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      "name": "Queen\u0027s University Belfast",
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    "amendments": [
      {
        "description": "Due to formula error in ITT Appendix 1 - Tender Response (Price), this document has been updated. Suppliers are required to disregard the previous version and ensure the updated version, 250286 - Appendix 1 - Tender Response (Price) v1.2, is completed and returned as part of their tender submission.\nAs such, the deadline for submission to this tender has been extended from 6 March 2026 to 9 March 2026, as updated in this notice.",
        "id": "019152-2026"
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    "awardPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-05-13T23:59:59+01:00"
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    "coveredBy": [
      "GPA",
      "CPTPP"
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    "description": "The University wishes to establish a framework for the provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services. The appointed suppliers will deliver diverse, high-quality candidates as required for the role, through a combination of market search, networking and advertising.\nThe successful suppliers must be able to demonstrate a strong working knowledge of the employment markets from which candidates may be drawn. This will include Higher Education institutions but also other sectors where relevant candidates may be found. There should be a strong focus upon the employment markets within the island of Ireland as well as Great Britain, the EU and internationally.\nThe appointed suppliers will be expected to have a proven track record to work closely with the relevant leadership team in attracting a suitable and diverse pool of highly qualified candidates for the scope of the positions covered under the respective lots they are appointed under.\nFurther detail is provided within the Specification.\nQueen\u0027s intends, following the process outlined in this ITT, to establish a closed Framework Agreement for the provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services.\nThe Framework Agreement will be split into Lots as further detailed below and Queen\u0027s envisages that, following the process outlined in the ITT and TRP.\nLot 1A: Temporary Specialist Roles\nLot 1B: Permanent Specialist Roles\nLot 2A: Temporary Executive level roles for Professional Services\nLot 2B: Permanent Executive level roles for Professional Services\nLot 3A: Temporary Executive level roles for Academic Operations\nLot 3B: Permanent Executive level roles for Academic Operations\nLot 4:  International roles for overseas locations\nFollowing the process outlined in this ITT and TRP, Queen\u0027s intends to appoint 3 Suppliers to each lot of the Framework Agreement and Call-Off Contracts will be awarded in accordance with the Call-Off Procedure provided with this ITT.",
    "documents": [
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        "description": "Not published",
        "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
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        "description": "Tender documents are accessible from web address provided",
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        "url": "https://in-tendhost.co.uk/queensuniversitybelfast/aspx/Home"
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      {
        "datePublished": "2026-03-03T16:07:46Z",
        "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
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        "format": "text/html",
        "id": "019152-2026",
        "noticeType": "UK4",
        "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019152-2026"
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      "endDate": "2026-02-23T16:00:00Z"
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    "id": "250286",
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            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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          {
            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        "id": "1",
        "relatedLot": "1"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Recruitment services",
            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
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            "scheme": "CPV"
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        "id": "2",
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            "id": "79600000",
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          {
            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        "id": "3",
        "relatedLot": "3"
      },
      {
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          {
            "description": "Recruitment services",
            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          },
          {
            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        ],
        "id": "4",
        "relatedLot": "4"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
          {
            "description": "Recruitment services",
            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          },
          {
            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          }
        ],
        "id": "5",
        "relatedLot": "5"
      },
      {
        "additionalClassifications": [
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            "description": "Recruitment services",
            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
          },
          {
            "description": "Personnel services except placement and supply services",
            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        "id": "6",
        "relatedLot": "6"
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        "additionalClassifications": [
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            "description": "Recruitment services",
            "id": "79600000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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            "id": "79630000",
            "scheme": "CPV"
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        ],
        "id": "7",
        "relatedLot": "7"
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    ],
    "legalBasis": {
      "id": "2023/54",
      "scheme": "UKPGA",
      "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
    },
    "lots": [
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
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          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for specialist temporary roles in both academic and professional services areas.\nThe Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill roles normally at Grade 7 to 10 (or academic grades AC2 to Professorial Range 4).\nTemporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months\u0027 cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "1",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 1A: Temporary Specialist Roles",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
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          ],
          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for specialist permanent roles in both academic and professional services areas.\nThe Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill roles normally at Grade 7 to 10 (or academic grades AC2 to Professorial Range 4).",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "2",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 1B: Permanent Specialist Roles",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
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          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level temporary roles in Professional Services (Non-Academic Operations).\nThe Supplier is required to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Director and above, with a salary of over \u00a3112k per annum.\nTemporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months\u0027 cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "3",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 2A: Temporary Executive level roles for Professional Services",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level permanent roles in Professional Services (Non-Academic Operations).\nThe Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Director and above.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "4",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 2B: Permanent Executive level roles for Professional Services",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
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      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level temporary roles in Academic Operations.\nThe Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Head of School and above.\nTemporary positions are likely to be for a minimum of 12 months\u0027 cover, such as interim appointments or maternity leave cover, in some cases appointments may be required for a shorter period.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "5",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 3A: Temporary Executive level roles for Academic Operations",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for executive level permanent roles in Academic Operations.\nThe Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles of Head of School and above.",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "6",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 3B: Permanent Executive level roles for Academic Operations",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      },
      {
        "awardCriteria": {
          "criteria": [
            {
              "description": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount",
              "name": "Simple description",
              "type": "price"
            }
          ],
          "weightingDescription": "The award criteria is divided into Technical (70%) and Price (30%).Technical Criterion is made up of Methodology, Quality Assurance, Responsible Procurement, Quality, Diversity and Inclusion, while the Price Criterion is made up of Price and Discount"
        },
        "contractPeriod": {
          "endDate": "2027-05-31T23:59:59+01:00",
          "maxExtentDate": "2030-06-01T23:59:59+01:00",
          "startDate": "2026-06-01T00:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "description": "This lot is for the search and selection of highly qualified candidates for both academic and professional services roles based in overseas locations.\nThe Supplier is required to have the expertise in both national and international markets to identify suitable candidates to fill the roles based in overseas locations normally with a salary from \u00a345,349 per annum (for example, any international Queen\u0027s University campus).",
        "hasRenewal": true,
        "id": "7",
        "renewal": {
          "description": "The Framework shall be for a period of 1 year, subject to satisfactory annual review, with the option to extend the contract by up to a further 36 Months."
        },
        "status": "active",
        "title": "Lot 4:  International Roles for Overseas Locations",
        "value": {
          "amount": 4362500,
          "amountGross": 5235000,
          "currency": "GBP"
        }
      }
    ],
    "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
    "procurementMethod": "open",
    "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
    "recurrence": {
      "dates": [
        {
          "startDate": "2030-02-04T23:59:59Z"
        }
      ]
    },
    "riskDetails": "Risks that Queen\u0027s considers could either jeopardise the satisfactory performance of the public contract, or may require a subsequent modification to the contract under paragraph 5 of Schedule 8 to the Procurement Act 2023 are detailed within the Specification. The Specification forms part of the associated tender documents, which can be accessed via the link provided within this notice",
    "status": "active",
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    "submissionTerms": {
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      "languages": [
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    "techniques": {
      "frameworkAgreement": {
        "description": "Following the process outlined in the ITT and TRP, Queen\u0027s intends to appoint 3 Suppliers to each lot of the Framework Agreement and Call-Off Contracts will be awarded in accordance with the Call-Off Procedure provided with the ITT.  Price is calculated as the combined total of the cost of one appointment in each salary range(s) under each lot. Each appointment cost is made up of the end\u2011to\u2011end recruitment service delivery fee-derived by applying the tendered percentage to the assumed salary for the applicable range plus the associated campaign cost.",
        "method": "withReopeningCompetition",
        "type": "closed"
      },
      "hasFrameworkAgreement": true
    },
    "tenderPeriod": {
      "endDate": "2026-03-09T16:00:00Z"
    },
    "title": "250286 Framework Agreement for the Provision of Specialist and Executive Search Services",
    "value": {
      "amount": 4362500,
      "amountGross": 5235000,
      "currency": "GBP"
    }
  }
}