In December 2012, Government Procurement Services (GPS) and UK SBS signed a Memorandum of Understanding as part of the ongoing implementation of the Public Expenditure Committee for Efficiency and Reform (PEX) recommendations. This strategic alliance will see the two organisations collaborating to expand the scope of the centralised deals available to customers across the public sector.

UK SBS is taking on responsibility for managing research and as the Contracting Authority is putting in place a framework for Market Research for use by or on behalf of UK bodies.

These bodies include but are not limited to Central Government Departments and their Agencies, Non-Departmental Public Bodies, NHS bodies, Police Services, Local Authorities, Voluntary Sector Charities, and/or other private organisations acting as managing agents or procuring on behalf of these UK bodies. (see section V1.3 Additional Information).

The framework is for the provision of a range of Market Research services including but not limited to:

— Secondary Research;

— Strategic Planning and Development;

— Communications, Products and Services Development and Testing;

— Performance/Reputation Audit and Customer/Stakeholder Satisfaction;

— Communications Evaluation Research;

— Research Support Services;

— Panels;

— Specialist Audiences.

The contract will be for a period of 2 years with the option to extend on an annual basis for a further 2 years.