Copies of Social Research Framework tenders: FOI release

Information requested

Copies of the 7 successful tenders for Lot 3 of the recent Social Research Framework.

Response

I enclose a copy of most of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) s.38(1)(b) (personal information) and s.33(1)(b) (Commercial interests) of FOISA applies to that information. The reasons why that exemption(s) applies are explained below.

An exemption under section s.38(1) of FOISA ("Personal Information") applies to some of the information you have requested, namely individual's personal details.

This exemption is not subject to the 'public interest test', so we are not required to consider if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption.

An exemption under section s.33(1)(b) (Commercial interests)of FOISA applies to some of the information you have requested. Disclosure of it is likely to prejudice substantially the commercial interest of the bidders and the Scottish Government.

This exemption is subject to the 'public interest test'. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. We recognise that there is some public interest in release as part of open and transparent government and having transparent tendering processes. On the other hand, if commercially sensitive information is made public, it is likely to damage the commercial interests of the companies whose information is released. This, in turn, could mean that the Scottish Government may be unable to generate genuine and effective competitive tendering processes, and that, in our view, would not be in the public interest. This information has been redacted within the documentation provided.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202500463102 - Information released - Documents

File type

PDF

File size

17.8 MB