Methodological and Research Services

Tender 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 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.