T26-080BUS Place Based Perception Research and Strategic Alignment Study Preliminary Market Engagement

Derry City and Strabane District Council (DCSDC) intends to undertake a preliminary market engagement exercise to inform the procurement of specialist services to deliver a Place Based Perception Research and Strategic Alignment Study. The purpose of this PME is to engage with the market to: • Test the feasibility and scope of the proposed research commission • Seek insight into best practice methodologies for perception research and stakeholder alignment • Understand market capability, innovation and delivery approaches • Inform the development of a robust specification and procurement strategy This commission will establish a baseline understanding of how Derry and Strabane City Region is perceived across key audiences and support the alignment of strategic priorities and future place positioning.

The first phase of the market engagement exercise will be participation from the supply base through the attached questionnaire. Responses to these questions will help DCSDC gather comprehensive information about potential suppliers and the services they offer.

This will allow us to make informed decisions regarding our specification and procurement strategy before entering the market with a full procurement competition. At this stage, any information gathered through this engagement exercise will solely inform internal business planning and any possible subsequent procurement process; and will NOT be appraised in any future tender evaluation exercise.