COI unveils external engagement agency list

The Central Office of Information (COI) has unveiled a new £5m framework list of agencies which can provide market research and external engagement services for Government projects.

The new ‘external engagement and facilitation’ framework has been created due to an increase in demand from various departments for external consultation on new and changes to existing policy, says the COI.

Companies such as Ipsos Mori, OPM and Forster have been selected to provide services divided into five lots, means they will be eligible to pitch for contracts according to their specific expertise, including project management, workshop design and facilitation and analytical and reporting services.

The new framework is worth around £5 million per year, and follows the launch of the Marketing and Brand Strategy and Internal Communication, Engagement and Change agency frameworks earlier this month http://www.marketingweek.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=64905&u=pg_dtl_art_news&m=pg_hdr_art 

Changes to COI agency relationships have been sparked by a new European Directive governing government procurement processes.