The new agreement gives public sector organisations such as NHS Trusts and local authorities access to market, social and economic research expertise.

The DPS marketplace is expected to have a maximum lifetime of four years. DPSs allow an unlimited number of suppliers to sign up to offer their services, provided they can meet the selection criteria and agree to terms and conditions.

Suppliers provide details of their research services and buyers will be able to use the system to search for potential providers, with contracts won through customers following a ‘Call for Competition’ process.

Tracy Clark, head of procurement for marketing, communications and research at the Crown Commercial Service, said the marketplace would help the public sector to access research to support "the delivery of efficient, effective public services".

She added: "The Dynamic Purchasing System approach also provides greater access to public sector opportunities for SMEs and specialist providers."

More information can be found on the agreement pages of the CCS procurement pipeline.