Award

ID 5967233 - DE - Statistics and Research - The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027

THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DE)

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Award

23 Dec 2025 at 08:29

Award

01 Dec 2025 at 14:45

TenderUpdate

07 Nov 2025 at 13:30

Tender

17 Oct 2025 at 13:57

Summary of the contracting process

The Department of Education (DE) in Northern Ireland has successfully concluded an open procurement process to appoint a contractor for the "Statistics and Research - The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027". Managed by the CPD - Supplies and Services Division, the tender called for the establishment of a National Study Centre to administer the study across Northern Ireland. This contract was awarded to Pearson PLC, a large enterprise based in London, and it is valued at approximately £919,559.92 (gross). The contract period spans from 15 December 2025 to 28 February 2029, with an option for a seven-month extension. The procurement was classified under research and development services, and it adhered to the open procedure method.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses in the research and development consultancy field, particularly those experienced in executing large-scale educational assessments. Companies that can offer robust methodologies and demonstrate familiarity with similar international studies are ideally positioned to compete for such contracts. The project’s scale and the involvement of multiple stakeholders indicate further subcontracting opportunities for SMEs, highlighted by the tender's receptiveness to final-stage bids from smaller enterprises. Moreover, the project's association with an international study can enhance a company’s profile, fostering growth and innovation in educational research services across Northern Ireland and beyond.

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Notice Title

ID 5967233 - DE - Statistics and Research - The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2027

Notice Description

The Department of Education is responsible, under statute, for the provision of education for the children and young people of Northern Ireland and to promote the education system of Northern Ireland needs. The Department commissions evidence-based research including a number of international large-scale assessments of education systems. One such assessment is the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS). TIMSS is a world-wide comparative study of the attainment in mathematics and science of pupils aged 9/10 years; primary year six in Northern Ireland. TIMSS is managed internationally by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). To deliver the study in participating countries the IEA, under the conditions of their agreement, require each country to employ the services of a National Study Centre (NSC), this centre is to be led by a National Research Coordinator (NRC). The NSC will be responsible for the delivery of the TIMSS 2027 nationally. The Department therefore wishes to appoint a contractor for the provision of a NSC as well as a NRC to deliver TIMSS 2027 in Northern Ireland.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: Following the initial contract period, there is 1 optional extension for a period of up to 9 months. Optional extension periods will be subject to review and satisfactory performance assessment by the Contracting Authority.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05cefe
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/085623-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services


CPV Codes

73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£796,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£796,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
£766,299 £500K-£1M
Contracts Value
£766,299 £500K-£1M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
23 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
19 Nov 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
1 Dec 20252 months ago
Contract Period
15 Dec 2025 - 28 Feb 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DE)
Additional Buyers

CPD - SUPPLIES AND SERVICES DIVISION

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
ssdadmin.cpd@finance-ni.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
RATHGILL
Postcode
BT19 7PR
Post Town
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
TLN Northern Ireland

Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Sydenham
Westminster Constituency
Belfast East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PEARSON

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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