Edinburgh Napier University defends decision to compile creative agency framework tender shortlist of 39
Edinburgh Napier University has defended its decision to take 39 agencies through to the second stage of its shortlist for its Creative agency framework, which will be made up of 10 lots.
The Drum has learned that initially 225 lot bids were received from 96 companies following the first stage.
Said one industry insider in reaction to hearing the second stage numbers; “How much do these guys spend that justifies arsing around with so many suppliers?”
Leanne Mabberley, assistant director (Marketing and Communications) for Edinburgh Napier University defended the numbers; “The standard of bids was very high and several submissions scored very similar marks in some categories, which meant that in the interests of fairness it was not possible to dismiss some bids. The ones with higher numbers shortlisted are generally ones where we want three preferred suppliers given the volume of work. We have largely kept to the numbers we desired for shortlisting.”
The University has clarified the number of applications for each lot; with Lot 1 for Digital Strategy Development shortlisting five agencies, Lot 2 for Online Content Development, search engine optimisation and social media development has shortlisted six agencies, Lot 3 for search engine marketing in UK and international has also shortlisted six, Lot 4 for digital campaign creative, digital awareness and media booking has shortlisted eight agencies, Lot 5 for web design development has shortlisted seven, Lot 6 for app and mobile development has shortlisted eight, Lot 7 for Artwork support has shortlisted six, Full service concept creative and graphic design has shortlisted 10 agencies, Additional freelance capacity has shortened that list to 10 and Lot 10 for Film Production has 12 agencies in the running.
All but the final two lots are expected to appoint one preferred supplier, with the final two lots aiming to appoint three preferred suppliers.
The PQQ stage for the four-year-framework closed for entry in the middle of September.