Discovery into presenting event fee information about retirement properties

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done This is in response to the Law Commission’s recommendation to implement an Event Fee database. There is agreement that the aim of the objective (to provide clear, timely, and up front information to consumers prior to the purchase of a property) should be accepted, but we wish to test the best means to deliver this objective (be it a database as suggested by the Commission, or an alternative digital or non-digital solution). Problem to Be Solved Each year thousands of older people consider a move to specialist (leasehold) retirement properties. Many of these leases require the owner to pay a fee/event fee on certain events – such as sale, sub-letting or change of occupancy. In 2013, the Office of Fair Trading investigated the use of transfer fees (a type of event fee). They found that terms in leases imposing this type of event fee were potentially unfair. For example, older people and their families were not informed of the fees which in some case can amount up to 30% of the sale price. Who Are the Users Retired home purchasers - I need to understand about event fees before I purchase my property, so I can make a good decision Estate agents - I need to know I'm marketing a property that has an event fee, so that I don't misled consumers Extra care housing providers (set the event fees) - I need to provide information about event fees/what it entails Early Market Engagement Work Already Done Existing Team Product Owner and stakeholders. (We will also help recruit users.) Current Phase Discovery Work Location London. Working Arrangments We expect we will need to meet regularly during the discovery in 2 Marsham Street. We're expecting an agile supplier, who will need to work offsite (for example to conduct research) Security Clearance BPSS required. CTC and above would be useful in terms of access to 2 Marsham Street, but is not required. Additional T&Cs Skills & Experience Experience of having delivered user-centred solutions to problems Experience of conducting discovery exercises that recommended digital and non-digital solutions Evidence of meeting skill requirements based on the anticipated composition of the team Demonstrate a track-record agile approaches Nice to Haves Evidence of delivering within the Government Digital Services design standards Knowledge of retirement housing or extra care housing No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Technical solution Approach and methodology Value for money Estimated timeframes for the work Understanding of user needs Cultural Fit Criteria Work as a team with our organisation and other suppliers Be transparent and collaborative when making decisions Challenge the status quo Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method Written proposal Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 45% Cultural fit 15% Price 40% Questions from Suppliers Budget range £60-80k