Award

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study

SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

07 Feb 2025 at 15:25

Tender

16 Oct 2024 at 10:53

Planning

01 Oct 2024 at 14:47

Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Government has awarded a contract to Pearson Education Limited for the role of National Research Coordinator (NRC) for the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027. This study, managed by the International Study Centre at Boston College, USA, is part of a recurring international assessment conducted every four years since 1995. The project focuses on collecting and analysing trend data on students' mathematics and science achievements. The procurement process is focused on research services under the CPV category 73110000, with the contract being signed on 24 January 2025. The scope of work includes overseeing the preparation and administration of assessments for P5 and S2 pupils in Scotland, managing data collection and processing, and ensuring compliance with IEA standards and Scottish Government guidelines.

This tender provides significant opportunities for institutions with expertise in educational research and data management to participate in a high-profile international project. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with experience in large-scale data collection, educational assessments, or working within international research protocols are particularly well-suited for this contract. By contributing to this prestigious study, businesses can enhance their reputation and gain valuable experience collaborating with international bodies, potentially opening doors to further research opportunities both within the UK and globally. The project will also engage in community benefits initiatives, encouraging bidders to propose innovative solutions that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental well-being of Scotland.

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Notice Title

Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study

Notice Description

The International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) is preparing for the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027, which will mark the ninth cycle of this international assessment. TIMSS, conducted every four years since its inception in 1995, provides invaluable trend data on pupils' mathematics and science achievements, as well as contextual information about their learning experiences. Scotland has confirmed its participation in TIMSS 2027. The TIMSS International Study Centre (ISC) at Boston College, USA, will serve as the international study centre for this cycle, working closely with the IEA and the National Study Centres of participating countries to ensure the study's success. Each participating country is responsible for appointing a National Research Coordinator (NRC). The NRC plays a crucial role in ensuring the success of the study within their country by working closely with the ISC and adhering to its guidelines. This Scottish Government wish to appoint a suitably qualified institution or organisation to undertake the responsibilities of the NRC and conduct the required fieldwork for TIMSS 2027 in Scotland.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The specific aims of the work will be to: Act as National Research Coordinator (NRC) for Scotland: Serve as the primary liaison between Scotland and the TIMSS International Study Centre (ISC) at Boston College, IEA Amsterdam, IEA Hamburg, and RTI International. Participate in International NRC Meetings: Engage in international NRC meetings conducted in English to collaborate on study protocols and procedures. Prepare and Administer TIMSS 2027 Assessments for P5 and S2: Ensure that the TIMSS 2027 study instruments are prepared and administered according to IEA specifications and strict operational and response rate requirements, while aligning with Scottish Government research guidelines. Manage Sampling, Data Collection, and Data Processing: Oversee the sampling, data collection, coding, and data cleansing processes for TIMSS 2027 in Scotland. Provide Cleaned Data Sets: Deliver cleaned electronic data sets from TIMSS 2027 field trials and main studies to the ISC and the Scottish Government. Contribute to the TIMSS 2027 Encyclopaedia: Prepare and submit a country chapter detailing Scotland's educational context and practices. Submit Reports to the Scottish Government: Provide one report on the TIMSS 2027 field trials and one on the main studies to the Scottish Government. The contract does not include delivering Scotland's national report as this will either be prepared by Scottish Government or commissioned to a service provider under a separate contract at a later date. Tenderers are encouraged to propose cost-effective solutions that optimise the the available budget, focusing on efficient management of expenses, overheads, and profit to ensure successful delivery. While bids should generally align with this budget, some flexibility is expected where necessary, and the Scottish Government reserves the right to clarify any aspects of a price proposal.

Renewal: 3 month no cost extension period.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04a4bb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/004216-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73110000 - Research services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£830,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£830,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£947,847 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Feb 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
19 Nov 2024Expired
Future Notice Date
15 Oct 2024Expired
Award Date
24 Jan 20251 years ago
Contract Period
30 Jan 2025 - 31 Mar 2028 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Name
Jonathan Nicolson
Contact Email
jonathan.nicolson@gov.scot
Contact Phone
+44 1412420133

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G2 8EA
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PEARSON EDUCATION

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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