EC Calls for Tenders for E-Government Research

The European Commission's Information Society and Media Directorate General (DG) has published a call for tenders to research online public services. The call consists of two lots: the first is the sixth annual measurement of online public services, and the second is a pilot study aimed at improving e-government quality indicators.

In its paper '2010 - a European information society for growth and employment', the DG states that 'public services are at the heart of the European social model,' and that there is 'increasing evidence that a better exploitation of ICT can significantly enhance organisation provision'. However, it notes that the potential remains unfulfilled and that specific challenges include 'friendly user-centric services, back-office streamlining, interoperability of key infrastructures and facilities, identity management, privacy and trust'.

Lot 1 of the research involves measuring both the number of online public services across member states, and the level of sophistication of these services. Measurement, due to take place at the beginning of next year, will be based on a framework provided by the eEurope initiative.

Lot 2 aims to go beyond the data provided by the Lot 1 survey. This pilot study will assess the existing standards for online quality and functionality, determine which are the most relevant to online public services, and assess to what extent they can be measured.

The deadline for requesting tender documents is 26th October 2005, and the deadline for submission is 3rd November. Full details are online at http://ted.publications.eu.int/official.

All articles 2006-23 written and edited by Mel Crowther and/or Nick Thomas, 2024- by Nick Thomas, unless otherwise stated.