Planning

Computer Based Skills Testing

DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Planning

10 Jan 2018 at 10:22

Market Engagement Notice
Planning

05 Sep 2017 at 08:57

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Education is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for a "Computer Based Skills Testing" service aimed at supporting the Professional Skills Test for prospective teachers. This initiative is crucial as it seeks to deliver an accessible testing service across a network of approximately 50 centres within the UK, as well as potentially abroad. Key dates include an engagement end date set for 26 October 2017, with a significant estimated value of around £3 million per year over three years, with options to extend for up to two additional years.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in test delivery services, educational technology, and assessment solutions. Companies with experience in developing online management systems, secure data transfer, and user support for educational assessments would be particularly well-placed to compete for this contract. The inclusion of requirements for practice tests and a candidate management system suggests a need for innovative solutions that enhance user experience and efficiency in the testing process.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Computer Based Skills Testing

Notice Description

See 'Attachments' for a Word version. The Standards and Testing Agency wish to procure a Test Delivery Service and associated development processes to support the Professional Skills Test for Prospective Teachers. The Service will incorporate delivering the Skills Test, supporting the development of test content and analysing and delivering reports required by the Department for Education and other external stakeholders. The Standards and Testing Agency is responsible for the delivery of the Professional Skills Tests for Prospective Teachers on behalf of the Department for Education. The Tests play a vital role in ensuring the Government's commitment to the recruitment of capable high quality Teachers and they are required to be accessible to Prospective Teachers on a continual basis. The requirement is for a computer based testing service delivered across a network of test centres across the United Kingdom (currently 50, mainly in England but with testing also taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and potentially abroad. Regionally based testing centres across the UK will be required. The solution must include an online candidate management system for prospective teachers to book and pay for tests and a telephone enquiry line to support those prospective teachers requiring special arrangements. The solution should also include a results supply system that prospective teachers and Initial Teacher Training providers can access to check exam results. Also required is a process for user acceptance testing for all solutions. Additionally, systems for providing secure transfer of test data and reporting as well as hosting practice tests, both online and downloadable, will need to be delivered. Test and item management processes will be required along with the ability to migrate all test content, results and records, practice tests and other non-live tests using industry standard formats. Additional information: This notice is for information only, and the Department reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not award contract(s). Accordingly, the Authority will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work or effort incurred by a supplier in acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice. There is an incumbent contract and TUPE Regulations may apply. All future information will be issued to potential suppliers via the Bravo Solutions e-procurement platform. Suppliers can access this system at https://education.bravosolutions.co.uk where the details of how to register and the terms of free registration are presented. Any questions about the proposed procurement can be submitted to the following e-mail address; Skills.TESTS@education.gov.uk Potential suppliers are advised to familiarise themselves with the Government's Data Security and Off-shoring policies. Estimated value: Circa PS3m per year (3 years with option to extend for 1 year and further 1 year).

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-43c26245-808d-48e2-b9ed-5f92ad6be35e
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/5f952943-a18b-4f77-bf53-987e998ebce8
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

CPV Codes

79635000 - Assessment centre services for recruitment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Jan 20188 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
26 Oct 2017Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3BT
Post Town
South West London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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