National Pupil Database Privacy Controlling API - Alpha

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done In the form of the National Pupil Database the Department for Education (DfE) has some one of the best data sources in government. However, how we provide access to the data needs to be modernised to realise it's potential benefit - with an emphasis on 'distributing access, not data'. Initial discovery has been completed on a Privacy Controlling API. We want to explore this option further with users via an Alpha. Problem to Be Solved The key problem we are looking solve can be summarised as: 'How can the DfE maximise the benefit of our data, initially NPD, by providing fast, safe and secure access to those who use it to add/create value – whilst reducing cost and maximising information security'. In particular, whether a privacy controlling API can interact successfully interact with the sophisticated statistical/research methods applied to our data in order to meet the needs of existing NPD users. Who Are the Users External: As an external researchers/analyst I need to have access to the National Pupil Database (NPD) So that I can conduct essential research (that may help to shape future DfE policy) Internal: As the NPD data owner I need to provide secure and controlled access to the NPD So that internal & external researcher/analysts can produce analysis/finding that add value to the DfE, whilst minimising information risk. Early Market Engagement We have not conducted any early market engagement. Work Already Done We have completed the discovery phase and are looking to move into Alpha. The discovery identified the potential for using a privacy protecting, query based, API. Existing Team The supplier will be working with the DfE NPD Access Development lead Current Phase Alpha Work Location Key DfE stakeholders for this work are based in Sheffield & London Working Arrangments 1) We are looking for flexibility in the approach to completing this alpha 2) We will be working to Agile principles - i.e. regular stand ups, Show & Tells etc 3) Necessary expenses will be paid in line with DfE standard policies Security Clearance In order to generate the synthetic data, a supplier may need to access a sample of real NPD data. As such, any successful supplier would be expected to meet the security terms associated with applying for an NPD Extract, outlined here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-pupil-database-apply-for-a-data-extract Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Have experience of applying differencial privacy Be able to identify, and arrange research/testing, with users Have experience of designing user centric services Be able to produce and test prototypes with users Work in an Agile way - in line with GDS serivce standards Nice to Haves Previous experience of working in the public sector No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria How a differncial privacy solution meets user needs Technical solution Value for Money Approach & methodology Cultural Fit Criteria Share knowledge and experience with other team members Be transparent and collaborative Can work with clients with low technical expertise Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method Written proposal Work history Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 75% Cultural fit 5% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range