Updated 16 September 2011

Merlin Standard™ web portal and accreditation service tender

We are tendering for a service provider to manage the Merlin Standard™ web portal and provide the accreditation service.
We are running this tender through our eTendering Services web portal (on BravoSolution). You can find all the relevant information on the web portal, including:

• the schedule of service requirements
• draft terms and conditions
• the invitation to tender, and
• bidder guidance

• eTendering Services web portal

We require DWP Work Programme providers to seek and maintain Merlin Standard™ accreditation throughout the contract term. We expect the service provider to carry out accreditations for Work Programme providers by June 2012.

Background

We have designed the Merlin Standard™ with providers and representative bodies to:

• strengthen the Code of Conduct to ensure prime providers treat their partners and sub-contractors fairly
• help evolve successful, high performing supply chains, and
• champion positive behaviours and relationships.

• Merlin Standard™ (534KB)
• Merlin assessment guidance (432KB)

We launched the Merlin web portal in October 2010 to provide a database of

• DWP programmes,
• contract package areas, and
• Welfare to Work providers

We also want to use the portal to share best practice. Users have to register on the portal to access it.

• Merlin web portal

Tender Timetable