STA digitally modifiable paper-based tests: discovery phase

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done STA currently produces 3 modified versions of its paper-based tests for pupils with visual impairments - enlarged print, modified large print and braille. Schools can carry out further modifications locally to support a wider range of pupil needs (by photocopying or re-typing the tests), but there is currently no central provision of bespoke papers or ability to provide an electronic version of the tests (the tests are produced using specialist software). STA are looking to conduct a discovery to understand pupil needs and investigate possible solutions which would deliver modifiable paper-based tests, for first use during the 2021 test cycle. Problem to Be Solved This discovery will provide insight of the needs of pupils and teachers. It will review current market capacity and recommend potential solutions, including digital, that can be considered during Alpha. The discovery will need to consider how modified tests can be provided securely in electronic or on-screen form to schools, so that further modifications can be more easily carried out. The aim is for the solution to: 1. provide a better inclusion/pupil experience that corresponds to the needs of individual pupils 2. deliver efficiencies for schools and STA 3. ensure the validity and security of assessments throughout. Who Are the Users • As a pupil, I need to have a paper that meets my personal needs, so I have a fair chance of doing my best (currently we receive around 1800 orders for enlarged print, 1000 orders for modified large print and 40 orders for braille. We have no figures on how many schools undertake their own modifications) • As a classroom teacher, pupils in my class may require additional support to demonstrate their ability in the test. I need to work with the SENCO and QVTI and know what options are available to meet my pupils varying needs. Early Market Engagement Work Already Done Existing Team You will be required to work alongside the STA team consisting of a Product Owner, Associate Product Owner, Test Development Researchers, Assessment Researcher and Business Analyst. Current Phase Not applicable Work Location Ground Floor South, Cheylesmore House, 5 Quinton Road, Coventry, CV1 2WT Working Arrangments Co-located with the team in Coventry to maximise opportunity for engagement with DfE users and stakeholders. On site a minimum of 3 days a week, Show and tells (every 2 weeks) and daily stand ups. Would expect all of those in the team to be available for retro's and planning. Travel to other DfE sites and schools to meet users is expected but must be in line with the DfE travel & subsistence policy. Expenses must be included in the quoted contract sum (to note: there will be no separate budget for expenses). Security Clearance The team will need BPSS as a minimum. Additional T&Cs By issuing this invitation, the Department is not bound in any way and does not have to accept any tender. Additional contractual clauses expected include: GDPR, Departmental Security Standards (for departmental data) & clauses on issued property and use of premises. Skills & Experience Provide a multidisciplinary complete team able to work in an agile way to run a digital development through to completion. Be able to mobilise a team within two weeks to work in Coventry. Ability to work with third party teams working for the same overall service to the same customers. Provision of, or willingness to subcontract, subject matter expertise in relevant disciplines. Experience of compliance with the government Technology Code of Practice. Demonstrate experience of delivering services for UK government departments or public bodies. Demonstrate experience of managing and proactively engaging stakeholders and building relationships to support digital transformation. Demonstrate experience of conducting and using user research to underpin key recommendations for complex services. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working in the schools sector. Nice to Haves Demonstrate experience of managing and proactively engaging internal stakeholders and building relationships to support digital transformation. Demonstrate experience of designing and delivering an online service. Demonstrate experience of delivering services for UK government departments or public bodies. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of working in the schools sector. Demonstrate knowledge and experience of delivering services for users with SEN or VI requirements. No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 3 Proposal Criteria Evidence of success in GDS assessments or confirmation of understanding and ability to do so. Evidence of successful agile working and that the proposed approach and methodology will meet user needs. Demonstrate of ability to work with DfE/STA in-house teams with limited technical and agile experience. Evidence of effective working with third party teams delivering related services and how dependencies were (or should be) managed. Evidence of working with technology standards and data standards already in place across a wider service. Price (will be based on an illustrative proposed team rates and specified phases of work) showing how we can maximise value for money. [Desirable] experience of working with users with special educational needs and/or users with visual impairments. Cultural Fit Criteria Demonstration of a proactive approach, taking responsibility for work and resolving issues quickly, without an over reliance on the client team. Demonstration of working in a transparent and collaborative way with DfE in a remote working environment; including expertise of Kanban Agile methodology, and products such as VSO, Slack and Zoom. Demonstration of an understanding of DfE’s need to deliver the best value for money solution. Demonstration of ability to work in a modern digital ways within DfE and GDS formal procedures and policies. Experience of working with the educational sector and/or experience of primary assessment development. Evidence of success in GDS assessments or confirmation of understanding and ability to do so. Evidence of successful agile working and that the proposed approach and methodology will meet user needs. Demonstrate of ability to work with DfE/STA in-house teams with limited technical and agile experience. Evidence of effective working with third party teams delivering related services and how dependencies were (or should be) managed. Evidence of working with technology standards and data standards already in place across a wider service. Price (will be based on an illustrative proposed team rates and specified phases of work) showing how we can maximise value for money. [Desirable] experience of working with users with specific additional needs. Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 60% Cultural fit 10% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers Budget range £100,000