SYNDICATED RESEARCH STUDIES PILOT

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REQUEST FOR INFORMATION RE. SYNDICATED RESEARCH STUDIES PILOT

The Public Opinion Research Directorate (PORD) of Public Services and Procurement Canada coordinates public opinion research (POR) activities for the Government of Canada (GC).

On behalf of the GC, PORD seeks information on existing syndicated research studies* that can be purchased and made available government-wide. We are principally interested in studies that may provide relevant information to assist and support a large number of government programs. The areas of interest would focus on diversity (including studies conducted in languages other than English and French), First Nations, social media, governance, youth and seniors.

The GC is in search of the most economical means of accessing research on these broad issues. Consequently, this Request for Information solicits detailed information on syndicated research studies of Canadians that have a bearing on the stated key areas of interest.

Based on the submissions we receive, each syndicated study will be assessed as to whether it meets the needs of GC departments, whether there is sufficient interest and available budget, whether it provides sufficient value, and whether it is the most cost-effective research optionavailable. Looking at each study independently, consideration will be given to the purchase of a government-wide subscription. Please note: The GC is under no obligation to proceed with subscriptions to any of the projects for which information is requested. PORD will act as the central purchaser and coordinator on behalf of the government, if syndicated research study subscriptions are to be obtained.

All submissions should demonstrate the high quality of the research products being purchased and the value-for-money they offer. Submissions should contain (at minimum) the following details: i. the title of the study, ii. an overview of the topics covered, iii. an explanation of how the study links to the key areas of interest identified above, iv. the target population(s) covered, v. a breakdown of the methodology to be used. In the case of qualitative research: research techniques, research frequency, recruiting methods, recruiting sources, geographic locations, etc., and, in the case of quantitative research: research techniques, sample size and breakdown by region, survey duration, frequency of surveys, sample source (probability or non-probability) as well as any other pertinent information, etc. vi. details of the language(s) used in data collection, vii. the deliverables, please note: Syndicated research studies are not to contain information regarding electoral voting intentions, or political party preferences or party standings with the electorate, viii. a total cost (as a government-wide licence and if undertaken as a custom study for the GC); also note that cost proposals should include one presentation (via web/video conference) to the GC on the research findings.

RESPONSES

The deadline for submissions to this Request for Information is 2:00pm EST on June 1st, 2016. Any response received after this date may not be considered.

Responses should be submitted directly to Paola Amaral at paola.amaral@pwgsc-tpsgc.gc.ca.

*For your interest, and for the sake of clarity, this is how we describe syndicated research to our federal government clients: Syndicated research studies are off the shelf products produced by the private sector on a range of societal and government-specific topics (e.g. social media usage, youth, etc.) for paying subscribers. Costs and the results of these studies are shared only among subscribers for a fixed period of time, often in the form of reports, presentations, raw data, etc. Unlike custom research where the Government of Canada determines the research content and retains the intellectual property, the firms who produce syndicated studies retain copyright and sole responsibility for managing the content.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Will thisRFI result in a follow up RFP or will it be used to award contracts?

a) No RFP will follow the RFI. b) If the studies submitted are determined to be cost effective and there is sufficient interest and funding available amongst departments, a subsequent contract(s) may be awarded in accordance with policies and procedures.

2. If it’s the latter, how many contracts will be awarded?

At this time, it is uncertain if one or more contracts may result. This depends on the responses received, whether they are determined to be cost effective and of value and whether there is sufficient interest amongst departments.

3. What criteria will be used to select successful vendors?

Submissions will be reviewed for their area of interest (topic), cost effectiveness, methodological approach and of value to the Government of Canada.

4. How does the client define ?relevant information? to assist and support a large number of government programs?

Relevant information includes focusing on one ofthe key topic areas. The broad areas of interest are diversity (including studies conducted in languages other than English and French), First Nations, social media, governance, youth and seniors. The topic areas are broad so that the information could support a number of different departments.

5. Is PORD looking for syndicated public opinion research studies to replace custom research?

The Government of Canada is looking at cost efficient ways of supporting its research needs. Where appropriate, purchasing both syndicated studies and custom research would be considered for its requirements. The objective is to support research needs of the Government of Canada.

6. Are the subscribers the audience and if so, how many subscribers?

Where they represent good value, the Government of Canada is interested in obtaining government wide subscriptions to syndicated studies. Subscribers would be GC departments and agencies falling under schedules I, I.1 and II of the Financial Administration Act.

Delivery Date: Above-mentioned

The Crown retains the right to negotiate with suppliers on any procurement.

Documents may be submitted in either official language of Canada.