✓Tender information last checkedLast checked 8 Oct 2026, 18:14.
Opportunity overview
DCMS is seeking to commission a two-phase research project to investigate UK media consumption habits and public trust in media. Phase 1 would consist of a behavioural cohort study (or another appropriate methodology) to map the specific "user pathways" audiences take to find, consume, and value information across different media sources, such as traditional news broadcasts and social media, across different demographics. Building on these findings, Phase 2 would explore how individuals perceive trust in different media sources due to their own perception of mis/disinformation, assess the broader effects of these consumption pathways on factors such as viewer retention and wider social cohesion, as well as overall integrity of the UK's information ecosystem.
This project will be commissioned either through a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023, or through the RM6126 Research and Insights framework.
This is part of the DCMS Science and Analysis R&D Programme, which supports R&D capability within the department. This project will run concurrently alongside three other large projects across 2027-2030; these include 'what works' research into AI adoption in DCMS sectors; a continuation of previous research to develop data-intensive approaches for capturing engagement at unticketed cultural, heritage, and sporting events/activities/locations, e.g. using mobile app data to model how people participate in our events; and a continuation of previous research to design and improve methods for holistically tracking the long-term impact of major events, tested on a major event.
Classification
CPV73000000 — Research and development services and related consultancy services
Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.
Scope, procedure and submissions
Id
105016
Status
active
Procurement Method
selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
The information and/or documents for this opportunity are available on the Atamis e-sourcing portal: https://dcms.my.site.com/login .
You must register on this site to respond. If you are already registered you will not need to register again, simply use your existing username and password. Please note there is a password reminder link on the homepage.
**Once registered on Atamis, click 'Find Opportunities' and register your interest. Once you have confirmed your interest, go to 'My Proposal and Quotes' to view the documentation.***
Please ensure you have clicked 'SUBMIT' after uploading your response.
Please ensure you review all communications and follow any instruction provided to you.
Any questions or clarification requests regarding this opportunity must be submitted exclusively through the Atamis portal messaging system before the Clarification Deadline.
If you experience any technical difficulties please contact the Atamis eSourcing Helpdesk at: Support@atamis.co.uk
**Please ensure you have registered on the Central Digital Platform to obtain your unique identifier. This is a requirement for all public sector contracts governed under The Procurement Act.*** It is available at www.gov.uk/find-tender
Under Section 3(2) and Schedule 2: Exempted Contracts, Part 2: Subject-matter Exempted Contracts, Paragraph 11: Research and development services, of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), public contracts consisting solely of pure research and development that are intended for general public benefit are explicitly exempt from statutory "covered procurement" rules.
As this contract qualifies for the R&D Exemption under Schedule 2, Paragraph 11 of the Procurement Act 2023, DCMS will operate outside of the statutory constraints of a covered procurement.
Because this is an exempted contract, the statutory challenge regime and automatic suspension provisions under Part 9 of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply. However, DCMS is committed to conducting a fair, transparent, and non-discriminatory process in voluntary alignment with core PA23 principles
This procurement is structured as a two-stage competitive procedure, Suppliers are invited to complete the Stage 1 Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) to participate in the shortlisting stage. Suppliers should read the PSQ Guidance document before completing the questionnaire. Bidders will be shortlisted based on pass/fail criteria and on their total weighted scores for the PSQ. The top 5 highest scoring candidates will be invited to Stage 2.
The shortlisted candidates will be issued the Invitation to Tender (ITT) to submit their full technical proposal and commercial pricing for evaluation. This will be evaluated in accordance with the ITT guidance that will be released to the shortlisted candidates.
Covered By
GPA
Submission terms
Electronic Submission Policy
allowed
Languages
en
Enquiry period
Ends
26 Oct 2026, 17:00
Expected award period
Ends
15 Feb 2027, 23:59
Lots and requirements
Entry 1
Id
1
Status
active
Value
Including VAT
1,800,000
Amount
1,500,000
Currency
GBP
Award criteria
Criteria
Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality
Description
Full details will be provided at ITT stage (Stage2).
70% will be weighted towards quality
10% will be weighted towards social value
Numbers
Entry 1
Number
80
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Type
price
Name
Price
Description
Pricing schedule will be provided within the ITT (Stage 2).
20% weighting will be toward price.
Numbers
Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Second Stage
Maximum Candidates
5
Selection criteria
Criteria
Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Suppliers are required to satisfy the baseline financial capacity conditions set out in Part 3 of the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ). Bidders must self-certify and provide two years of verified financial statements demonstrating a minimum annual turnover equivalent to 1x the maximum estimated annual contract value (£400,000 per year). Where a bidder is a newly formed entity, or consortium relying on parent/associated entity support, alternative evidence of financial standing (such as parent company guarantees, bank references, or confirmed grant funding allocations) may be provided to satisfy this threshold on a pass/fail basis.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
Technical ability conditions of participation
To demonstrate technical capability under Part 3 of the PSQ, suppliers must provide details of two relevant case studies from the past five years that illustrate experience of a similar size, scale, and complexity to this requirement. Bidders must complete either Route 1 (Q15a & Q15b) for formal commercial/public contract history or Route 2 (Q15c & Q15d) for non-contractual, grant-funded, or academic experience. Submissions across both routes will be scored and evaluated against four weighted criteria:
Research aims and scope, detailing the overarching research questions. (10%)
The approach, design and execution of mixed-methods research methodologies, such as large behavioural cohort studies, digital ethnography, targeted diary studies and passive online monitoring software (40%)
The specific outputs produced and the practical impact achieved (e.g, evidence-backed policy changes, research reports) (30%)
Managing project delivery, sub-contractors, external stakeholders and engagement with the contracting authority (20%)
DCMS will then shortlist the top 5 highest-scoring bidders to progress to Stage 2.
Criterion 3
Description
Selection criteria:
The department will use a two-stage competitive process.
In Stage 1, candidate suppliers will be evaluated on a Pass/Fail basis against Part 1 (Supplier Information), Part 2 (Exclusions), and Part 3 Conditions of Participation (Financial Turnover threshold of £400k/year and Required Insurance Levels).
Bidders meeting all Pass/Fail conditions will then be evaluated and ranked based on their response to Question 15 (Technical Ability Case Studies, completed via Route 1 or Route 2). Responses will be evaluated against four weighted criteria:
Research aims and scope, detailing the overarching research questions. (10%)
The approach, design and execution of mixed-methods research methodologies, such as large behavioural cohort studies, digital ethnography, targeted diary studies and passive online monitoring software (40%)
The specific outputs produced and the practical impact achieved (e.g, evidence-backed policy changes, research reports) (30%)
Managing project delivery, sub-contractors, external stakeholders and engagement with the contracting authority (20%)
The top 5 highest-scoring suppliers based on total weighted score will be invited to Stage 2 (Invitation to Tender). In the event of a tie for the 5th shortlist position, a sequential tie-break methodology will be applied based on unweighted scores in Criterion 2 (40%), Criterion 3 (30%), and Criterion 4 (20%). If still tied, all tied 5th-place suppliers will be invited to Stage 2.
For Reduction
Yes
Suitability
Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes
Contract period
Starts
1 Mar 2027, 00:00
Ends
28 Feb 2030, 23:59
Items and delivery
Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1
Additional Classifications
Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
73000000
Description
Research and development services and related consultancy services
Buyer location · London · UKI32 · SW1A 2BQ · United Kingdom
Notice and amendment history
6 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.
6 VERSIONS
1
070908-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
2
070952-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
3
086719-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
4
091312-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
5
095400-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
6
095403-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
PROCURAAXIS ANALYSIS
ProcuraAxis Analysis
Our approved analysis of the opportunity appears below the official tender information.
ANALYSIS PREVIEW
Opportunity intelligence at a glance
DCMS is seeking a research supplier for a two-phase project on how UK audiences consume media and how they trust different media sources. Phase 1 will map audience information-consumption pathways across media and demographics; Phase 2 will examine perceptions of trust, mis/disinformation, retention, social cohesion and the integrity of the UK information ecosystem. The opportunity is shown as open, with a submission deadline of 26 October 2026.
Who this may suit
Best suited to research organisations with capability in behavioural cohort studies or alternative robust methodologies, media/audience research, trust and misinformation research, and analysis across demographic groups. No explicit supplier certifications or organisational eligibility requirements are stated.
Key points identified
Research methodologyA behavioural cohort study or another appropriate methodology is sought for Phase 1.Evidence: "Phase 1 would consist of a behavioural cohort study (or another appropriate methodology)".
Research subject coverageInvestigate UK media consumption habits and public trust in media, across traditional news broadcasts, social media and different demographics.Evidence: The description seeks research into "UK media consumption habits and public trust in media" and references traditional news broadcasts, social media and different demographics.
Phase 2 analysisExplore perceptions of trust, perceived mis/disinformation, and effects on viewer retention, social cohesion and information-ecosystem integrity.Evidence: The description explicitly lists these Phase 2 areas.
96% approved-analysis confidence5 supplier criteria identified4 risks or unknowns
ProcuraAxis structures information found in published procurement records, checks the result for consistency and publishes only approved analysis. Confidence describes the completeness and consistency of the available source information; it is not a guarantee of eligibility or contract award.
DCMS is seeking a research supplier for a two-phase project on how UK audiences consume media and how they trust different media sources. Phase 1 will map audience information-consumption pathways across media and demographics; Phase 2 will examine perceptions of trust, mis/disinformation, retention, social cohesion and the integrity of the UK information ecosystem. The opportunity is shown as open, with a submission deadline of 26 October 2026.
Who this may suit
Best suited to research organisations with capability in behavioural cohort studies or alternative robust methodologies, media/audience research, trust and misinformation research, and analysis across demographic groups. No explicit supplier certifications or organisational eligibility requirements are stated.
Key deliverables
Phase 1: map user pathways used to find, consume and value information across media sources and demographics.
Phase 2: explore trust perceptions across media sources, including perceived mis/disinformation.
Assess effects on viewer retention, social cohesion and the UK information ecosystem.
SUPPLIER REQUIREMENTS
5 criteria identified
Research methodology
98% confidence
A behavioural cohort study or another appropriate methodology is sought for Phase 1.
View supporting evidence
"Phase 1 would consist of a behavioural cohort study (or another appropriate methodology)".
Research subject coverage
98% confidence
Investigate UK media consumption habits and public trust in media, across traditional news broadcasts, social media and different demographics.
View supporting evidence
The description seeks research into "UK media consumption habits and public trust in media" and references traditional news broadcasts, social media and different demographics.
Phase 2 analysis
99% confidence
Explore perceptions of trust, perceived mis/disinformation, and effects on viewer retention, social cohesion and information-ecosystem integrity.
View supporting evidence
The description explicitly lists these Phase 2 areas.
Supplier eligibility requirements
98% confidence
Unknown; no specific organisational, financial, insurance, location or company-size requirements are stated.
View supporting evidence
No such requirements are included in the supplied opportunity data.
Framework participation
96% confidence
Potentially relevant if DCMS commissions through RM6126 Research and Insights; whether framework membership is required cannot be determined because the route is not confirmed.
View supporting evidence
The project will be commissioned "either through a Competitive Flexible Procedure ... or through the RM6126 Research and Insights framework".
COMMERCIAL AND DELIVERY
Contract intelligence
Commercial
Maximum value
99% confidence
Up to GBP 1,500,000.
View supporting evidence
Process value_max is 1500000 GBP; active Lot 1 value is GBP 1,500,000.
Minimum value
99% confidence
Unknown.
View supporting evidence
No minimum value is supplied.
Pricing and payment terms
99% confidence
Unknown.
View supporting evidence
No pricing schedule, payment terms or VAT treatment is supplied.
Delivery
Delivery scope
98% confidence
Two-phase UK-focused media consumption and trust research project.
View supporting evidence
The description specifies the two phases and UK media consumption habits.
Delivery period
97% confidence
Unknown. The project is described as running concurrently with other projects across 2027-2030, but no project start or end date is stated.
View supporting evidence
Contract start and end dates are null; the description says the project "will run concurrently alongside three other large projects across 2027-2030".
Delivery location
99% confidence
Unknown; London (SW1A 2BQ) is identified only as the buyer location.
View supporting evidence
The sole supplied location is labelled "Buyer location".
PROCEDURE
How to respond
Opportunity status
99% confidence
Open tender.
View supporting evidence
display_status is "open", source_status is "active", and the notice type is "Tender notice on Find a Tender".
Procurement route
99% confidence
Unresolved: the description states that DCMS may use either a Competitive Flexible Procedure under the Procurement Act 2023 or the RM6126 Research and Insights framework.
View supporting evidence
The description explicitly presents the two alternative routes.
Recorded procedure metadata
99% confidence
Selective; Competitive flexible procedure.
View supporting evidence
procurement_method is "selective" and procurement_method_details is "Competitive flexible procedure".
Submission deadline
99% confidence
26 October 2026, 17:00 UTC.
View supporting evidence
Process and Lot 1 submission_deadline are 2026-10-26T17:00:00Z.
RISKS AND UNKNOWNS
Points requiring attention
Procurement-route ambiguity
99% confidence
The route is not conclusively stated: the narrative presents a choice between a Competitive Flexible Procedure and RM6126, while the structured metadata records selective/Competitive flexible procedure. Suppliers should verify the route and applicable participation conditions in the notice documents or portal.
View supporting evidence
Description: "either through a Competitive Flexible Procedure ... or through the RM6126 Research and Insights framework"; process metadata: selective and Competitive flexible procedure.
Contract timetable uncertainty
98% confidence
No contract start or end date is supplied. The reference to concurrent projects across 2027-2030 does not establish this contract's term.
View supporting evidence
contract_start_at and contract_end_at are null; narrative refers to other projects "across 2027-2030".
Publication-date inconsistency
99% confidence
The process publication timestamp is 14 September 2026, while the tender-notice document publication timestamp and source update are 8 October 2026. The supplied data does not explain the difference.
View supporting evidence
process published_at is 2026-09-14T10:07:28+01:00; document published_at and source_updated_at are 2026-10-08T16:42:12+01:00.
Limited commercial detail
99% confidence
Only a maximum value is supplied; pricing structure, payment terms, VAT treatment and minimum value are unknown.
View supporting evidence
value_max is GBP 1,500,000; no further commercial terms are supplied.
ProcuraAxis analysis supplements, but does not replace, the original notice and tender documents. Always verify eligibility, deadlines and commercial terms with the issuing authority.
Continue in your ProcuraAxis workspaceFree account · Full approved analysis