Digital Assistance for the 2021 Census

Contract summary

Industry

• Information systems or technology strategic review services – 72222100

Location of contract

PO15 5RR

Value of contract

—

Published date

26 July 2018

Closing date

31 December 2018

Contract start date

01 March 2019

Contract end date

08 July 2022

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

No

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

No

Description

Introduction:
Digital Assistance for the 2021 Census will take the form of providing access to the internet via face to face help to enable those without digital capability to complete their census online. The support given can be someone guiding a user to and through the online questionnaire or entering the user’s information on their behalf. It is not about helping to develop digital skills. A proportion of those without digital ability may complete their 2021 Census on paper. Others may receive help elsewhere to complete online. There will be a substantial need for third party help if we are to fulfill the National Statistician’s recommendation to take special care to support those unable to complete the census online. The intended outcome is to boost online response rates among the digitally disconnected. Current predictions are that 2 to 5% of respondents to the census in 2021 will require assisted digital support – that is, in the region of 500,000 to 1,200,000.

Background:
Assisted Digital was tested successfully in 2017 in a single small area.

We are looking to work with suppliers who can help us understand and reach all those who require digital assistance across England and Wales. It is recognised that this may require multiple providers in order to provide the necessary support with regard to the potential number of customers and the wide geography that must be covered.

Assisted Digital Service Project and Delivery:
The Assisted Digital service is about providing face to face help and support for those unable to go online independently. Any suppliers would be providing resource, materials, technology and facilities in order to help people requiring the service

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The Census Transformation Programme (CTP) on behalf of the Office for National Statistics is hosting a supplier engagement event on 16th May 2018 (10:00 am – 4:00pm) at the Holiday Inn Reading South, Reading RG2 0SL. The purpose of the events is for CTP to gain views from the wider market about the implementation of an assisted digital service across England and Wales in readiness for the procurement exercise.

The terms and timetable for the procurement exercise will be determined following the supplier engagement events. However, CTP currently anticipates publishing Invitation to Tender in September 2018.

If you are interested in attending our supplier engagement event please register your interest by emailing Amy.Thorne@ons.gov.uk by 14th May 2018 and on the In-Tend Sourcing portal via this email address: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/ons/aspx/Home (Suppliers are advised to register on the portal before expressing an interest). Emails received by ONS after the Deadline may not be considered.

Also include the name of your organisation (in the title of your E Mail) with the following information:
– Confirmation of attending
– Company name or proposed consortium na…

About the buyer

Contact name

Ola Ogunfiditimi

Address

Segensworth Road
Fareham
Hampshire
PO15 5RR
United Kingdom

Telephone

01633 455951

Email

ola.ogunfiditimi@ons.gsi.gov.uk

Other information

Attachments

Additional information on how to apply for this contract

https://in-tendhost.co.uk/ons/aspx/

Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No

How to apply

Please apply directly to the buyer using the contact details provided, or follow the instructions given in the notice description or information section.