Find & Explore National Pupil Database Data: Live Public Beta - maintenance and development

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The NPD is a world class research resource. However, the data within the NPD is complex.The previous method for users to find what data they required was to access a 42 tab Excel ‘data tables’ document. This resulted in: • Accessibility issue(s) • Application errors - resulting in frustration and re-work for users and the NPD Production Team • Potential users being put off applying for NPD This led to the development of the Find & Explore Service which is essentially a metadata repository which now requires maintenance and iteration. Problem to Be Solved We are seeking a supplier with the skills and capability to maintain and develop the live Public Beta service from 3 June 2019. We have a backlog of improvements which will need to be further researched and prioritised. This include: • Online application form • 'Shopping Basket' data variable picker - a feature that enbles users to choose specifc variables that can then be added to their application form • Intergrate 'Standard Extracts' into the Find & Explore service Who Are the Users When planning research I need to identify available data that is relevant to my research so I can define my research When applying for data I need to identify the data to ask for correctly so that I don’t waste time and effort having to reapply When accessing DfE data I need to be able to find the data I have requested in the extracts I have been given so that I can analyse the data Early Market Engagement Work Already Done We worked previously with Paper during the Discovery, Alpha and the Beta build stages. We are on track to launch a Release 1.0 of the Public Beta during May 2019 and Paper will support and stabilise the service in the first month of its operation and handover to any incoming supplier. Release 1.0 was developed in accordance with the Technology Code of Practice and the GDS service standards. Shortlisted suppliers will receive a detailed information pack containing further information. Existing Team DfE will provide: Senior Responsible Owner Deputy Service Owner Product Manager Business Analyst The supplier is expected to provide the team roles required to maintain and develop the live Public Beta service to meet GDS service standards. For example, user researcher, delivery manager, developer, data analyst. Current Phase Beta Work Location Co-located working from DfE's Sheffield office; St Pauls Place, 125 Norfolk St Sheffield S1 2JF Some travel to other DfE sites and to conduct research may be required. Expenses must be included in the contract sum as there is no separate budget for this. Working Arrangments This is a project that has been delivered in an agile way, meeting GDS service standards and in accordance with DfE programme, architectural, technical and security principles, standards and governance. The supplier will be expected to continue delivering the project in this way. This will be public beta / live service and therefore technical support may be required. We will manage the project using Statements of Work, one per product release, each specifying outcomes that must be delivered on a capped time and materials basis. Security Clearance Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) is required for all team members. This will need to be in place before the team starts. The supplier will also need to be compliant with DfE's Departmental Security Standards. Additional T&Cs All IPRs (as defined) in the Project-Specific IPRs and the Deliverables shall vest in the Buyer unconditionally and immediately upon their creation. Skills & Experience Evidence of supporting a live Public Beta / live service that requires service support. Significant experience of delivering/iterating a live Public Beta service in an agile way, and in accordance with the Technical Code of Practice, including the Government Digital Standard (GDS) (https://www.gov.uk/service-manual/service-standard). Experience of develping data products - especially metadata Experience of developing web application in Ruby on Rails with PostgreSQL Experience of review ongoing performance (i.e. Analytics, user satisfaction) Nice to Haves A good understanding of the National Pupil Database, it's structure and it's content. Experience with Azure Web App services Knowledge of DfE digital services and the department’s architectural approach. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Demonstrate plan for handover, including knowledge transfer, ways of working, gaining familiarity with the existing systems Outline how you will deliver value for money within the contract Cultural Fit Criteria Experience of working in multidisciplinary Agile teams within Government Be comfortable standing up for their discipline(s) & challenge the status quo if or when required Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 20% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range the maximum budget is £190k for the initial 12 month period of the contract. funding beyond the initial 12 months is subject to internal approvals.