UK - The Pensions Regulator (TPR) is seeking participants for a framework agreement to provide analytical services which will supplement its in-house resources.

TPR revealed it has "a number of requirements over time for analytical services to supplement the resources of the in-house team", as there is either insufficient in-house resources or a requirement for a capability that is not available in-house.

The requirements have been split into five lots, and while providers may bid for one or more lots, only suppliers included the framework will be used for future services. The five areas are:

Econometric modelling - development of models and analysis regarding how economic variables impact behaviour within the market, especially in scheme funding and potential exposure to significant changes in the underlying stability of investments Market/economic simulation - simulations of the impact of external influences on behaviours, such as changes in legislation and the economic climate on pension funding Statistical services - predominantly quantitative analytic resources used to complement and/or enhance internal capabilities of TPR's strategy and research team as and when required Risk and regulatory impact assessment - assessment of behaviour in the pensions sector at a micro level to identify trends and patterns that may lead to breaches of regulations Market analysis - provision of a macro-level assessment of the pensions market.

The contracts are for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of two further extensions of 12 months resulting in a maximum contract of four years. The average value of the contracts ranges from £150,000-250,000 (€178,030-€296,718), with an estimated spend of around £700,000 over two years and £1.4m over four, although the exact split across the five lots has not been decided.

The tender notice also noted that while the framework agreement would supplement existing TPR services, "the Personal Accounts Delivery Authority (PADA) may make use of the framework" as well.

The closing date for tender submissions is 1 July 2009 and further information can be obtained from the procurement department at TPR.

If you have any comments you would like to add to this or any other story, contact Nyree Stewart on + 44 (0)20 7261 4618 or email nyree.stewart@ipe.com

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