Planning

Methodological and Research Services

OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

28 Apr 2026 at 12:48

Summary of the contracting process

The Office for National Statistics (ONS), the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics, is in the preliminary phase for a procurement process concerning Methodological and Research Services. This initiative, slated under the services sector, aims to enhance the UK's economic, social, and population statistics and is classified under the CPV code 73110000 for Research services. Based in Newport, the procurement is currently in the planning stage, with a future notice scheduled for publication on 29 June 2026. Key timelines include the tender deadline on 29 July 2026, contract award on 3 September 2026, and commencement on 1 October 2026.

The forthcoming tender presents significant business growth opportunities for organisations specialising in methodological, statistical, and research services. With expertise in areas like statistical modelling, survey design, and artificial intelligence application within official statistics being vital, businesses offering these competencies can benefit from increased market exposure and potential partnerships with a national agency. Companies not registered under the Research and Insights Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) are encouraged to consider this procurement avenue to leverage their capabilities for advancing the UK's statistical methodologies and technologies. Further updates on the procurement process will be circulated by the ONS.

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Notice Title

Methodological and Research Services

Notice Description

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) is planning a forthcoming procurement for Methodological and Research Services to support the delivery and development of the UK's economic, social and population statistics.

Lot Information

Lot 1

ONS is the UK's largest independent producer of official statistics and the National Statistical Institute for the UK. It operates as the executive office of the UK Statistics Authority, a non-Ministerial Department established under the Statistics and Registration Service Act 2007. ONS collects and publishes statistics relating to the economy, population and society at national, regional and local levels, and plays a leading role in UK and international statistical best practice. Scope of Services (Indicative) The future specification is expected to include a range of methodological, statistical and research services to support official statistics including economic, social and population statistics. This may include, but is not limited to, expertise in the following areas: Statistical and Methodological Expertise *Sample survey design and weighting/estimation *Statistical modelling using survey and non-survey data, including: -Non-response propensity modelling -Small Area Estimation -Bayesian modelling -Machine learning techniques -Spatial and temporal modelling *Editing and imputation methods *Index number methods for prices and inflation measures *Time series models and seasonal adjustment *Statistical disclosure control *Measurement of uncertainty including Variance Estimation *Multisource statistical design, including statistical record linkage and measurement of error *Quality measurement for non-survey sources, multisource statistics and linked data *Statistical methods that support Census collection Applied and Subject-Matter Methods *Qualitative research methods, data collection and analysis *Demographic methods *Economic methods including National Accounts *Operational research in survey design and delivery *Artificial intelligence and its application within official statistics The final scope will be confirmed as part of the formal procurement documentation. Additional information: Anticipated Timescales (Indicative) The current indicative timeline is as follows: Notice published: 29/06/2026 Tender deadline: 29/07/2026 Contract award: 03/09/2026 Contract start: 01/10/2026 These dates are indicative and will be confirmed in due course. Procurement Route The decision on the use of Lots has not been finalised at this stage and full information will be made avaiable in the tender documentation. ONS is currently exploring the most appropriate sourcing route and will provide further information on next steps when available. One route under consideration is the Research and Insights Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) - RM6126. Suppliers who are not already registered and who may be interested in this opportunity are encouraged to review the DPS and consider applying via the Crown Commercial Service / Government Commercial Agency website: https://www.gca.gov.uk/agreements/RM6126 Next Steps This notice is issued for market awareness purposes only and does not constitute a commitment to commence a procurement. ONS welcomes interest from suppliers with relevant expertise and encourages organisations to monitor future communications for further updates.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-068cc8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038583-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Apr 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
28 Jun 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
OFFICE FOR NATIONAL STATISTICS
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWPORT
Postcode
NP10 8XG
Post Town
Newport
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL54 Monmouthshire and Newport
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Newport
Electoral Ward
Tredegar Park and Marshfield
Westminster Constituency
Newport West and Islwyn

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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