DfE statistics dissemination platform (alpha and beta)

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done DfE produces over 50 statistics series every year (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education/about/statistics), with data being used by the general public, schools, local authorities and central government amongst others. During our discovery (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721729/HiveIT_-_DfE_dissemination_discovery.pdf), research showed frustration with our current approach and suggested how we could improve to better meet our users’ needs. Areas of note were: - Users struggle to find the right data. - Inconsistency within and between publications cause problems. - Users are required to download large amounts of data, then remove and manipulate extraneous information. - Producers spend a large proportion of their time responding to a variety of adhoc requests. Problem to Be Solved 'To provide a new service that allows better access to and consumption of statistics, meeting the many varying user needs identified during Discovery with due regard to accessibility.’ We want to more effectively communicate education statistics to our users - with an emphasis on meeting the needs of all users regardless of skill and technology available. This will also mean a reduction in the time producers spend answering ad-hoc queries as more data will readily be available for users to self-serve. More specific information on the problem to be solved is available on request, email laura.selby@education.gov.uk Who Are the Users A subset of the global needs (for all users) are as follows: - I need DfE data to be easy to navigate so I can find the statistics I’m looking for - I need DfE data to be simple to use so I can analyse and customise without extensive knowledge or training - I need data to be accessible so I can use the data with a disability - I want to customise the data according to my requirements so that I can answer my questions by myself More specific information on user needs is available on request, email laura.selby@education.gov.uk Early Market Engagement Work Already Done We have carried out a discovery, results are published at - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/721729/HiveIT_-_DfE_dissemination_discovery.pdf. The findings recommended that we go to alpha. This could be an ‘off the shelf’ solution or built from scratch. Existing Team The supplier will be working with the DfE Statistics Modernisation team comprising two full time members of staff, one of which will be a product owner, and a part-time technical architect. Current Phase Alpha Work Location Sheffield & Darlington - with likely travel to various locations throughout the UK. Working Arrangments a) We are looking for flexibility in the approach to completing this alpha. We will explore both off the shelf and build from scratch options. b) We will be working to Agile principles - i.e. regular stand ups, Show & Tells, Retrospectives c) Necessary expenses will be paid in line with DfE standard policies Security Clearance BPSS clearance Additional T&Cs More information regarding this project is available on request, please email laura.selby@education.gov.uk At the end of the Alpha a decision will be made between key stakeholders as to whether we should progress into Beta, this will include a GDS alpha assessment. Skills & Experience Experience of taking a user centric approach from inception throughout the project lifecycle Using appropriate technology to provide or build tools to meet a specific service Experience of working to GDS service assessment standards Experience of building statistical outputs, including data visualisations and/or tabulations Nice to Haves An awareness of statistics in Government. Experience in the dissemination of data on a large scale. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria Technical solution Approach & methodology How the approach or solution meets user needs Estimated timeframes for the work Value for Money Cultural Fit Criteria Work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers Be transparent and collaborative Share knowledge and experience with other team members Challenge the status quo Be comfortable standing up for their discipline Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 20% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range the budget is around £300,000 + vat (for both alpha and beta)