Abortion Clinic Vigils or Protests - Research

The Scottish Government (SG), on behalf of the Scottish Ministers, wishes to commission a study to enhance its understanding of the prevalence and impact of vigils/protests that take place outside of abortion clinics within Scotland. The research will aim to produce new data from a variety of respondents in order to develop a detailed picture of current practices and experiences of vigils/protests outside abortion clinics in different localities across Scotland. This will be used to inform Scottish Government policy on vigils and protests outside abortion clinics.

A combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods will be required to meet the aims and objectives of this research. When placing a bid, suppliers should state as clearly as possible the full research design and methodology they propose to use. This should include the modes of data capture, and research participant recruitment, as well as methods for data analysis and synthesis.

Possible suitable methods include:

• Collection, collation and analysis of relevant NHS Board data relating to observations of protests.
• Qualitative interviews and/or surveys of patients and protestors to understand the perspectives of each.

Based on the research aims and objectives set out above and the available budget, proposals should set out how they will address and build on the following requirements:

• Build a holistic picture of the prevalence and scale of abortion vigils/protests in Scotland and their impact on women’s experience of accessing abortion services in Scotland.
• Recruit research participants from relevant groups involved in/impacted by abortion vigils/protests, especially women who have accessed abortion services while protests/vigils are ongoing outside the clinics, and protestors participating in vigils/protests.
• Outline any proposed use of incentives or payments to research participants.

Question Scoring Methodology for Award Criteria outlined in Invitation to Tender.

0 Unacceptable Nil or inadequate response. Fails to demonstrate an ability to meet the requirement.

1 Poor Response is partially relevant but generally poor. The response addresses some elements of the requirement but contains insufficient/limited detail or explanation to demonstrate how the requirement will be fulfilled.

2 Acceptable Response is relevant and acceptable. The response addresses a broad understanding of the requirement but may lack details on how the requirement will be fulfilled in certain areas.

3 Good Response is relevant and good. The response is sufficiently detailed to demonstrate a good understanding and provides details on

how the requirements will be fulfilled.

4 Excellent Response is completely relevant and excellent overall. The response is comprehensive, unambiguous and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the requirement and provides details of how the requirement will be met in full.

Additional criteria for Cyber and Data Security Question.

Tenderers are also asked to confirm that they will pay staff that are involved in the delivery of services under the contract, at least the real Living Wage.

Bidders must complete the SPD (Scotland) to demonstrate adherence to the Exclusion and Selection Criteria for this procurement.

If there are named subcontractors/technicians upon which the bidder will rely to meet the selection criteria, these named parties must complete and reattach the SPD Supplier Response Form attached to SPD.

The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 21141 and the ITT code is 44053. For more information see:

http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343

Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see:

https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/