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The 2001 Census used more automated methods of collecting and processing data, and purchased more services from contracted suppliers, than any previous census. For 2011, we intend to build on this experience, using technology to further improve the census operation processes, and contracting out more of the services required.

A number of reviews were carried out on the 2001 Census by external bodies, including the Public Accounts Committee, the National Audit Office and the Treasury Select Committee. The design for the 2011 Census takes account of these reviews, and proposes a more complex set of integrated systems. The challenge is to bring together a consortium of suppliers who will help us develop these systems.

It is the responsibility of the Office for National Statistics (ONS) to conduct a census for England and Wales only. The General Register Office for Scotland (GROS) and the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) will be conducting a census in their respective countries in 2011. GROS and NISRA have their own census design and activities, which are broadly similar to those for England and Wales. They will be handling the procurement of a number of their contracted services separately, but it is likely that joint solutions for key services will be developed through one contract with ONS. For example, in the 2001 Census the data processing and printing contract handled the requirements for all three census offices.

ONS, in conjunction with GROS and NISRA, has taken the opportunity to engage with suppliers at an early stage of planning. Suppliers of key systems will work with ONS to develop systems and services for the 2007 Census Test. This will ensure that they have a shared, detailed understanding of system requirements and will be able to proceed quickly with development of full systems and services for the 2011 Census. The process of selecting suppliers began in 2005, when draft requirements were issued and a supplier information meeting took place.

Supplier information meeting (14 July 2005)

Procurement route A: Data capture and associated services and systems

Three separate procurement activities have been established to collectively provide for all the systems, services and commodities required to carry out the 2011 Census Project.

Procurement route A will provide the data capture and associated services and systems using the EU Services Directive Negotiated Procedure (currently in progress). Two suppliers, Lockheed Martin UK and T-Systems International, have been short-listed and each awarded a contract to provide services for the 2007 Census Test in May. Following this test, further performance evaluation of the two short-listed suppliers will be carried out, and one supplier will be awarded the contract to design (with the authorities) and deliver the 2009 Census Rehearsal and the 2011 Census.

Procurement route B: Additional support services for the 2007 Census Test

Procurement Route B, has secured contracts for additional services to support the 2007 Census Test. These services comprise:

• recruitment, training and payroll of temporary enumeration staff needed to carry out the enumeration phase of the 2007 Census Test

• printing of information leaflets relating to the 2007 Census Test

• translation of the above leaflets into Welsh and other languages

• procurement of field supplies for temporary enumeration staff

• distribution of materials and information leaflets to enumeration staff

• transportation of census questionnaires

The performance of these additional services will be evaluated following the 2007 Census Test to assess how successful this process has been. The findings of the evaluation will be used to inform the strategy for securing the additional support services for the 2011 Census, and to conduct a third procurement exercise.

Procurement route C: Additional support services for the 2009 Census Rehearsal and 2011 Census

Following the 2007 Census Test, decisions will be made about which of the route B services will be procured for the 2011 Census, and which will be delivered by ONS staff. Route C will additionally include procurement of a postal service provider for the delivery of census questionnaires to the public, and the return of completed questionnaires. This will identify the final suppliers of these services for the 2009 Census Rehearsal and 2011 Census.