Commissioning possible external providers to conduct research and analytical projects

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) Areas of Research Interest 2020 (ARI) sets out the department's evidence priorities in line with strategic objectives for the justice system; to reduce reoffending, protect the public and deliver swift access to justice. The ARI underpins our engagement with academics and research networks to facilitate collaboration to better understand and address these evidence needs.

To support this, MoJ may commission external providers to conduct research and analytical projects. These may involve the use of social research methodologies, such as qualitative interviewing, questionnaires and surveys, evidence reviews and synthesis (including rapid evidence assessments), process and impact evaluations.

MoJ's strategic routes to market for external research and analytical projects are the Crown Commercial Service's Low Value Purchasing System (RM6327) and Research and Insights DPS (RM6126). Suppliers will need to be registered on these systems to bid for externally commissioned projects - see below for links to these systems. In order to bid for a particular project, registration must be complete before tender opportunity for that project is published. Suppliers are therefore strongly advised to register as soon as possible.

More detail on the two systems is as follows:

1. For projects subject to competitive tender the new Research and Insights Dynamic Purchasing System (R&I DPS) RM6126 is used. This system has replaced the Research Marketplace DPS RM6018. Please see Marketing Communications and Research',, scrolling down to 'Research & insights' and 'Access as a supplier' and 'Bid pack' for more information.

2. For some low complexity projects with a contract value of less than £122K, the department will consider using the Low Value Purchase System (LVPS), which can facilitate a direct award. Please see here, top of page for the LVPS information, following 'Access as a supplier', to register.

Links to the following can be found at the end of this notice:

Areas of Research Interest 2020 (ARI)

Research and Insights Dynamic Purchasing System (R&I DPS)

Low Value Purchase System (LVPS)

Further support with registering and any questions on the procurement systems should be directed to marcommsandresearch@crowncommercial.gov.uk.

Additional information:

Ministry of Justice: areas of research interest 2020 - This document summarises MOJ's evidence needs over the next 3 to 5 years, aligned with the department's strategic objectives for the system. For each objective we have provided a high-level narrative that frames our research priorities, as well as a set of more detailed research questions. MOJ will use this ARI as a basis to engage with academics and research organisations from across the justice research landscape and the disciplinary spectrum.