National Travel Survey (NTS) Production automation and user query service – discovery phase.

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The NTS is a large complex dataset that is analysed by DfT staff and results published in the form of tables, and raw data. This labour intensive activity is believed be inefficient. A high volume of queries from stakeholders are received often looking for a subset of data. Providing responses prevents work on more complex analysis that would unlock value for DfT. There is a good understanding of the questions asked but not the motives behind them and/or what the data is being used for. This understanding needs to be developed to ensure the product is fit for purpose. Problem to Be Solved The discovery phase focuses on three questions: 1. How is it possible to make the process more efficient and reduce the time taken for the team to analyse the dataset and produce outputs for publication? 2. What mechanism for internal/external stakeholders can be provided to directly query the dataset and export data items (supports the Open Data aspiration)? 3. How can technology innovation augment the human capabilities to carry out work that will unlock the perceived value of the data to the department? In addition understanding how the concepts could be applied to other datasets should be considered. Who Are the Users The purpose of this discovery is to understand both the users and the user needs in line with the GDS service manual: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/user-research Historically the users have been: o The NTS Team o DfT Internal stakeholders o Non-DfT (participants to be identified from existing contacts to the NTS team):  External GDs and Agencies  Academics  Researchers  Students  Transport Consultants  Research companies  Local Authorities  Charities  Members of the public  Transport Companies (e.g. bus companies)  Significant Departmental Stakeholders such as Sustrans, Living Streets Early Market Engagement A previous piece of work that had been commissioned by the department to explore how the challenges of compiling and analysing the dataset could be addressed highlighted the complexity of the dataset but didn’t lead to any suitable options of satisfactory quality. A segment of the NTS data was used for a recent DfT Hackathon and one of the participants used this to create a prototype solution. This was the winning idea at the Hackathon and with further discussion has shown that it might be possible to address the challenges the team faces. Work Already Done The prototype ‘Query’ created at the DfT Hacks hackathon: http://clients.onesixfour.digital/query/index.html Existing Team The appointed agency will be expected to work closely with members of the NTS team as well as the DfT Data Science community. The NTS team consists of 4 statisticians and the data science team consists of 4-5 data scientists / developers. The Product Owner and Service Manager will be appointed by the NTS team. Current Phase Discovery Work Location The majority of the work will be conducted at the suppliers own site (or other chosen location). Exact days to be worked at the department offices will be agreed once the supplier is appointed. Address: Department for Transport, Great Minster House, Horseferry Road, SW1P 4DR Working Arrangments Discovery should be completed in line with the GDS Service Manual: https://www.gov.uk/service-manual. Indicated milestones are: Week 1: Research Week 2-3: Analysis (user personas and user needs defined) Week 4: Results and recommendations Suppliers to provide preferred approach. The exact milestones will be agreed with the supplier when appointed. Weekly status updates (email/telephone) detailing achievements of key milestones and issues that may impact timescales and cost should be provided. It is expected that there will be a short presentation or report at the end of each milestone. The research questions should be fully answered in a final presentation Security Clearance The Department will require current baseline security clearances in order to work on our premises. The details of these will be worked out with the successful supplier with proof of status being supplied by shortlisted suppliers at written proposal stage (note these will not form part of any word count). Additional T&Cs N/A Skills & Experience • Proven track record of delivering discovery phase of agile projects as speed with diverse stakeholder groups. • Evidence of the ability to work with complex hierarchical data and understanding user needs associated with this. • Experience of delivering in line with the GDS Service Design Manual • Evidence of being able to carry out user research with similar stakeholder groups to those identified. • Knowledge of advanced data analysis, automation and query technologies and their application to similar datasets • Demonstrable experience of using innovative techniques to speed up identification of user persons and user needs • Credibility with similar stakeholder organisations • Experience of working on similar data related projects that have successfully delivered outcomes articulated Nice to Haves • Experience of data science and data visualisation • Evidence of having undertaken discovery work that has led to significant transformation of data analysis activities No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria • Plan & Approach (10%) • Application and outcome of methodologies (10%) • Identification of risks and dependencies and offered approaches to manage them (10%) • Incorporating new technologies/innovative thinking to development (10%) • Capability to deliver (10%) Cultural Fit Criteria • Experience of working as part of an agile team with organisation similar to ours or who have similar audiences (2.5%) • Experience of sharing approach, knowledge and skills with internal team members and listening to their feedback (2.5%) • Experience of transparent and collaborative decision making (2.5%) • Experience of taking responsibility for their work and resolving problems effectively (2.5%) Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Case study Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 10% Price 40% Questions from Suppliers Budget range budget of £15,000 - £20,000