Evaluation of the KTIAS Farming Connect

The Welsh Government wishes to commission an independent evaluation focused on the effectiveness, efficiency and impact of the Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and Advisory Services known as Farming Connect as part of the European Union (EU) Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 in Wales, with a particular focus on the effects of changes made in the Farming Connect ‘refresh’.The Knowledge Transfer, Innovation and Advisory Service is an enhanced Farming Connect framework delivered from 2015 through the RDP (2014-2020) in Wales. It is an adaptable pan Wales scheme of knowledge transfer activities, specialist advice and innovation support, targeted at businesses and individuals in the farming and forestry sector. Fundamentally, Farming Connect aims to improve business performance, sustainability, competitiveness, resource efficiency and environmental performance of farming and forestry businesses and promote the economic growth and development of rural areas.We require the supplier to:• To determine whether the interim recommendations from the previous evaluation available here https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2021-06/evaluation-of-the-knowledge-transfer-innovation-and-advisory-services-programme_0.pdf were implemented• To provide an evaluation of the changes made during the Farming Connect ‘refresh’, focusing on the effectiveness and efficiency of the implementation of the changes, along with the impact of the changes• To provide an assessment of the outcomes and impacts of Farming Connect across the entire RDP 2014-2020 programming period• Provide an assessment of Value for Money for a number of specific Farming Connect interventions. This entails an initial feasibility exercise followed by a cost effectiveness and or/cost benefit analysis where appropriate, following National Audit Office guidelines• To provide evidence-based recommendations and lessons learnt which will help form the evidence base to inform future decision making in this policy areaThe client welcomes tenderers to propose a methodology that fully meets the requirements. It is envisaged that a variety of different research methods are needed, including interviews, focus groups, case studies, benchmarking, a desk review, and a value for money assessment and baseline survey data will be made available. A rationale for the choice of methods should be presented as part of the tender bid.We are currently testing the market as part of the procurement process. We request that any suppliers interested in bidding for the contract send a message of interest within 10 days.Rural Development Programme (RDP) 2014-2020 in Wales -https://gov.wales/rural-development-programme-document-2014-2020Farming Connect - https://businesswales.gov.wales/farmingconnect/Previously commissioned evaluation - https://gov.wales/sites/default/files/statistics-and-research/2021-06/evaluation-of-the-knowledge-transfer-innovation-and-advisory-services-programme_0.pdf