Greater Manchester Combined Authority has published a procurement opportunity for gmca 1784 greater manchester equality panel facilitation with an estimated value of £523,728. The submission deadline is 18 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-10, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The Greater Manchester Equality Panels have been established to advise, support and challenge Greater Manchester's political leaders and policy-makers to tackle the discrimination and disadvantage that cause injustice and inequality in society, and champion Greater Manchester as an inclusive city-region. They do this by working together with the GMCA and partners to: • Provide insight into Greater Manchester's diverse communities, enabling political leaders and public bodies to listen and engage in a more targeted and effective way • Communicate key messages to our communities as trusted sources • Codesign policies, programmes and strategies to ensure they work effectively for communities • Support an asset-based approach, highlighting new opportunities (and challenges) for positive collaboration that build on the resources and strengths within our communities

Greater Manchester Combined Authority is the contracting authority. The estimated value is £523,728 and the deadline is 18 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to management consultants, marketing agencies, HR firms. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold relevant professional qualifications and case studies.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Greater Manchester Combined Authority must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in consulting & advisory contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £523,728 contract
• Relevant certifications: relevant professional qualifications and case studies
• Capacity to mobilise within Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 18 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032739-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 18 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

Greater Manchester Combined Authority will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 18 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Greater Manchester Combined Authority to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 18 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032739-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Greater Manchester Combined Authority or the UK government.