COI reveals new merchandise and promotional roster

The Central Office of Information (COI) has revealed a new framework of merchandising and communications agencies.

It has divided the roster into five divisions to comply with the Public Contract Regulations 2006, which require that all suppliers “capable of performing the proposed contract” are invited to compete for each piece of business.

The five divisions are: in house producers, manufacturers or stockists, suppliers of standard imported products, suppliers of bespoke imported products, online merchandise scheme suppliers and gift voucher suppliers.

The divisions have been further divided into sub-categories that mean the roster can accommodate more creative briefs and widen the number of suppliers that could apply.

Briefs can be issued across a number of divisions and sub-categories and it allows suppliers to compete for government and public sector work without a lengthy procurement process for each contract.

The roster is now made up of 58 suppliers, 55% of which are new. The application process took into account the sustainability and recycling credentials of each supplier.

Sarah Eastlake, head of merchandising at the COI, says: “”The new framework includes a broad range of suppliers meaning greater choice and flexibility for our government and public sector clients. We’re confident that we’ve selected the very best in the marketplace and look forward to working with them to provide high quality and cost effective solutions for our clients.”

The new framework is effective from 14 December.

It follows the COI’s new live events roster which it revealed on 1 December.