Aston University is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise to inform a future procurement for the provision of Independent Accountant´s Reports (IARs) and Grant Assurance Services. The University wishes to engage with suppliers active in the grant assurance, audit and accountancy sector to better understand market capability, service delivery models, pricing approaches, innovation opportunities, and routes to market. The anticipated scope may include, but is not limited to: Independent Accountant´s Reports (IARs) for Innovate UK funded projects; Grant assurance and certification services for UKRI funded projects; Assurance engagements relating to Horizon Europe and successor programmes; Agreed-Upon Procedures (AUP) engagements; Grant assurance requirements arising from charitable, governmental and other research funders; Related advisory services associated with grant assurance and certification requirements. The purpose of this engagement is solely to gather market intelligence and obtain supplier feedback to help shape the University´s procurement strategy and future tender documentation. Participation in this PME exercise will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process.