COI Introduces New Research Agency Roster

UK Government stats unit the Central Office of Information (COI), has overhauled its market research roster to create a 'framework' including 108 agencies from across the UK. Half of these firms are new to the roster.

COI's Research team evaluated applications from 260 agencies and assessed almost 900 case studies during the review. The successful agencies were selected on the basis of their expertise in a number of specialisms including qual and quant research, desk research and omnibus surveys. They were also selected for their experience in conducting deliberative engagement research using multiple site citizens' forums and citizens' juries.

The framework has been divided into lots to meet the requirements of the Public Contract Regulations 2006 which requires that all suppliers are invited to compete for each piece of business.

Briefs can be issued across a number of lots as well as single lots, depending on requirements. The COI says that 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, explains: '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.'

In the past year, COI has commissioned more than 600 research projects on behalf of government departments and the public sector on issues 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 Market Research framework, worth more than £22m per annum, was last reviewed in 2004.

Web site: www.coi.gov.uk .