Notice Information
Notice Title
con_27599 - Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API
Notice Description
The Department is launching an early adopter pilot scheme as part of its work to modernise Children's Social Care (CSC) data collections. The goal is to address longstanding inefficiencies in existing annual data collection processes by assessing the feasibility, scalability, and value of the department's newly developed application programming interface (API). The pilot will test automated data ingestion, working collaboratively with a sample of local authorities (LAs) and case management system (CMS) suppliers to allow for more timely data access, and analysis. Data will flow into a private access version of the CSC dashboard, facilitating measurement of children's social care outcomes. Key objectives include: 1. Assessing the burden and cost implications for LAs and DfE when implementing more timely data flows. 2. Evaluating the accuracy of data extracted through the API. 3. Determining the scalability of the solution for potential implementation across all LAs. This initiative supports the CSC reform agenda and the Keeping Children Safe Mission by addressing critical data gaps, enabling faster benchmarking of National Framework indicators, and improving access to timely, evidence-based insights.
Procurement Information
The Department has entered into a contract to support the delivery of the early adopter scheme, a pilot designed to modernise the collection of children's social care (CSC) data. The DfE relies on the justification at para. 2 (Prototypes & Development) of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023 for the direct award of this contract. This pilot involves the testing of a newly developed DfE automated infrastructure to assess the suitability and scalability of automated data flows and timely data access for CSC. The supplier will be required to develop a bespoke technical solution to connect to the newly developed DfE system and enable data transfers. The contract will enable the connection between the selected supplier systems and the DfE API, allowing data to flow between a sample local authority to the private CSC dashboard. The outputs of contract delivery will support research into the feasibility of producing and supplying frequent CSC data at scale, while assessing data quality, technical viability, and burdens on both DfE and local authorities. The duration of the contract will be 18 months, which includes the time needed for the supplier to connect to departmental infrastructure and a 12-month period for data ingestion, due to commence April 2026. It is necessary for data ingestion to run over statutory collection cycles, as it will provide insights into how this technical solution compares to existing statutory returns. Conducting a full competition would have introduced disproportionate costs and delays, given the limited number of suppliers with the necessary data permissions and the need to ensure timely delivery of the pilot's objectives. It would also potentially have wasted public funds in the event that the technical solution does not work as envisaged. The decision to award this contract ensures the pilot progresses efficiently and provides the insights needed to inform decisions on future scalability. The supplier selected for this pilot is able to provide the required solution as they hold existing contracts with local authorities and have the necessary permissions to access CSC data, ensuring compatibility with the pilot's objectives and timelines. The supplier selected demonstrated alignment with the pilot's objectives and timescales, providing a solution that represents proportional value for the scope and purpose of the pilot. Following the conclusion of the pilot, if the solution is proven viable and scalable, the Department will consider conducting a competitive procurement process for broader implementation.
Notice Details
Publication & Lifecycle
- Open Contracting ID
- ocds-h6vhtk-0514da
- Publication Source
- Find A Tender Service
- Latest Notice
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002544-2026
- Current Stage
- Award
- All Stages
- Award
Procurement Classification
- Notice Type
- UK7 - Contract Details Notice
- Procurement Type
- Standard
- Procurement Category
- Services
- Procurement Method
- Direct
- Procurement Method Details
- Direct award
- Tender Suitability
- Not specified
- Awardee Scale
- Large, SME
Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)
- CPV Divisions
72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
-
- CPV Codes
72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Notice Value(s)
- Tender Value
- Not specified
- Lots Value
- Not specified
- Awards Value
- £387,500 £100K-£500K
- Contracts Value
- £333,200 £100K-£500K
Notice Dates
- Publication Date
- 13 Jan 20261 months ago
- Submission Deadline
- Not specified
- Future Notice Date
- Not specified
- Award Date
- 30 Apr 20259 months ago
- Contract Period
- 12 Jan 2026 - 11 Jul 2027 1-2 years
- Recurrence
- Not specified
Notice Status
- Tender Status
- Complete
- Lots Status
- Complete
- Awards Status
- Active
- Contracts Status
- Active
Buyer & Supplier
Contracting Authority (Buyer)
- Main Buyer
- DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION
- Contact Name
- Not specified
- Contact Email
- policyassurance.commercialqueries@education.gov.uk
- Contact Phone
- Not specified
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
Notice Documents
-
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/002544-2026
13th January 2026 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/048928-2025
14th August 2025 - Contract details notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036673-2025
2nd July 2025 - Contract award notice on Find a Tender -
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/021883-2025
15th May 2025 - Transparency notice on Find a Tender
Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)
View full OCDS Record for this contracting process
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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