WIREDGOV

COI unveils Market Research framework

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 01 July 2009

1. Qualitative Research

- Face to face/Telephone
- Online

2. Quantitative Research

- Face to Face
-Telephone
- Online

3. Deliberative Engagement and Research

- Large scale summits
- Multiple site citizens’ forums
- Individual citizens’ forums
- Citizens’ juries
- Deliberative research

4. Desk Research

- Evidence review of supplied sources only
- Evidence review of supplied sources and sourcing and reviewing new material

5. Omnibus Surveys

- Face to face
- Telephone
- Online

The framework has been divided into lots and labels to meet the requirements of the Public Contract Regulations 2006 which requires that all suppliers “capable of performing the proposed contract” are invited to compete for each piece of business. Briefs can be issued across a number of lots and labels as well as single lots and labels, depending on requirements.

This allows agencies to compete for government and public sector work without the requirement for a lengthy procurement process for every contract.

Fiona Wood, Director of Research, said:

“This is a dynamic market that has changed significantly in the past four years. The review process was rigorous and competitive, and the applications were of a very high standard.

“The new framework includes a broad range of agencies that offer a wide range of expertise, reflecting the breadth and depth of work we undertake on behalf of Government and the public sector. We’re now looking forward to working with these agencies to provide high quality and cost effective research solutions for our clients.”

The Market Research framework, worth more than £22 million per annum, was last reviewed in 2004. The new framework becomes operational today.

For press enquiries, please contact Dan McMillan at COI


Notes to editors

* COI maintains and uses over 30 world class frameworks of suppliers which are the ‘best of the best’; taking into account the anticipated needs of COI and its government and public sector clients.

* In the past year, COI commissioned over 600 research projects on behalf of government departments and the public sector on issues that affect the lives of every citizen - from health and education to benefits, rights and welfare. These ranged from small scale literature reviews to large campaign tracking studies. COI also commissions research relating to service development and evaluation.

* The current Market Research Framework will be used for a maximum of four years.

* COI's annual report and account 2007/08 shows expenditure on research to stand at £22.7m.

* A full list of agencies on the new Market Research Framework can be found on the COI website

* In accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations 2006, this framework has been advertised in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJEU).

* A photograph of Fiona Wood is available on request.