---
title: "Item Writing Framework for the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) from 2016"
ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-d6915174-adc8-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-d6915174-adc8-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-d6915174-adc8-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-d6915174-adc8-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b.json"
source: "Contracts Finder"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION"
published: "2016-11-18"
---

# Item Writing Framework for the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) from 2016

Buyer: DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-b5fd17-d6915174-adc8-11e6-9901-0019b9f3037b

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## Summary

The Department for Education is initiating a tender process for an Item Writing Framework for the Standards and Testing Agency (STA), aimed at developing items for various assessments. This procurement falls under the education and training services category and is located in Coventry, England. The tender is currently in the planning stage, with key dates established for communication and potential supplier engagement, including a Supplier Briefing event set for 20 October 2015. The contract period is expected to commence on 1 April 2016 and extend for a maximum of four years, with a total estimated contract value ranging from £500,000 to £5,000,000.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses involved in educational content development and assessment services. Companies specialising in item writing, assessment design, and related educational services would be well-suited to compete, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs). Engaging in this tender could lead to long-term contracts and the chance to influence national curriculum assessments conducted by the Department for Education.

## Notice

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE). The STA's main functions are to: * develop high quality and rigorous DfE tests and assessments in line with Ministerial policy; * undertake operational delivery of DfE tests and assessment (including printing, distribution, marking and data capture of tests as appropriate); and * support schools, test centres and other stakeholders to deliver DfE tests and assessments. STA is responsible for developing and delivering the national curriculum tests and assessments and ensuring their proper and safe production and administration. These assessments operate across Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and key stages 1, 2 and 3 and are used by a wide range of maintained and other schools. STA is also responsible for developing and delivering Professional Skills Tests for prospective teachers. Further information about STA and the national curriculum tests and assessments can be found at www.education.gov.uk/assessments. Description of the contract STA wish to establish an Item Writing Framework of suitably experienced suppliers to develop items (test questions) and mark schemes for a range of DfE assessments. STA plan to establish the framework agreement by April 2016 and it will operate for a maximum of four years. Currently, STA procures new items for key stage 1 and key stage 2 National Curriculum Tests (English reading; English grammar, punctuation and spelling; and mathematics at key stage 1. Those same subjects plus science at key stage 2), and items for the on-screen Professional Skills Tests for Prospective Teachers (for Literacy and Numeracy). As new items are required, suppliers on the framework will be invited to submit invitations to quote (ITQs) on a project by project basis to secure call-off contracts. The total value of the work over the maximum term of four years is expected to be between PS500,000 and PS5,000,000 See 'Attachments' for further information including indicative key dates. Additional information: The Department is planning to hold a Supplier Briefing event in order to engage with potential suppliers of the services subject to tender. This event is to take place in Coventry on 20 October 2015. If you are a supplier interested in attending please send an email expressing your interest and provide your contact details to mark.horton@education.gsi.gov.uk along with a brief overview of your organisation and specific interest in this requirement by 14 October 2015 at noon.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Contracts Finder |
| Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7f024f8b-1d06-41eb-83ac-f1ef4daf252f |
| Notice type | Planned Procurement Notice |
| Procurement type | Framework |
| Procurement category | Not specified |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | SME, VCSE |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 Nov 2016 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 27 Oct 2015 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2016 - 31 Mar 2020 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £5,000,000 |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planned |
| Lots status | Not specified |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | DEPARTMENT FOR EDUCATION |
| Locality | COVENTRY |
| Post town | Coventry |
| Postcode | CV1 3BH |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLG West Midlands (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLG3 West Midlands |
| ITL 3 | TLG33 Coventry |
| Local authority | Coventry |
| Electoral ward | Sherbourne |
| Westminster constituency | Coventry North West |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80000000 - Education and training services

## Release History

- 18 Nov 2016 at 20:17 - Planning - Planned Procurement Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7f024f8b-1d06-41eb-83ac-f1ef4daf252f

## Documents

- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/7f024f8b-1d06-41eb-83ac-f1ef4daf252f
  30th September 2015 - Future opportunity notice on Contracts Finder
- https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/e3249611-c57b-42d3-9fb0-ccccbd3b3fc8
  Word version of the advert

## Provenance

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