Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) Tool

Tender description

Why the Work is Being Done The UK Nutrient Profiling Model (NPM) 2004/5 was developed by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) as a non-digital tool enabling the Office of Communications (Ofcom) to identify ‘less healthy’ foods and drinks so that restrictions could be placed on children’s television advertising. By 2016 this had been expanded to include all broadcast and non-broadcast media. The UK NPM 2004/5 is now over 10 years old and doesn’t reflect current UK dietary recommendations. Discovery is required to assess the needs of users if the proposed UK NPM 2019 is adopted, which will involve more complex calculations and reassessment of product portfolios. Problem to Be Solved Food and drink manufacturers are required to calculate the NPM score for their portfolio of food/drink products to establish the eligibility for advertising to children. This project intends to investigate how best a digital (or other) tool could support the scoring of food/drinks using the proposed UK NPM 2019 algorithm, ensuring accuracy/validity. Additionally, if the tool/solution: • should also support calculation of the 2004/5 UK NPM • should support calculation of other government food-related guidelines, e.g. front-of-pack-labelling • should provide certification of UK NPM 2019 score for submission to advertising regulators • should commercialise aspects e.g. scoring multiple products simultaneously Who Are the Users The primary users are food and drink manufacturers who need to calculate the NPM score for their products to establish if they are eligible for advertising to children. Other users are likely to include healthcare professionals, NGOs, trade bodies, nutritionists (government & independent), retailers, fast food outlet & delivery owners, regulators, journalists, marketing agencies, parents, students and consumers, all of whom have varying needs when using the NPM tool. Early Market Engagement None Work Already Done Between 2016 and 2018, the UK NPM 2004/5 was reviewed. The review focused on updating the model to reflect changes to UK dietary recommendations since its development, in particular, that free sugars should contribute no more than 5% of total dietary energy and fibre intake should increase to 30g/day (AOAC) in adults. The review included the establishment of an expert group to provide advice and make recommendations to PHE. Following consultation and further modelling, the Expert Group recommended a revised UK NPM (UK NPM 2019) to PHE. Existing Team The successful supplier will be working with the PHE Digital Team, the Diet, Obesity and Physical Activity Team (DOPA) and a range of internal and external stakeholders. Current Phase Discovery Work Location The work can be performed from any location but is likely to be co-ordinated by staff in PHE’s London Offices. Working Arrangments Work may be carried out from multiple locations including the Supplier’s offices. Attendance at PHE Offices in London and in other locations around England may be required for meetings. Supplier staff are expected to be on-site at PHE locations sufficient to manage relationships with senior stakeholders; the project team and users; and, stakeholders and users in other organisations so that the outcomes of the project may be met. Security Clearance Not required Additional T&Cs None Skills & Experience E1) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience in conducting the discovery phase relating to the use of digital solutions/technology in similar projects, including a link to a case study. E2) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of applying the principles of user centred design to the development of digital solutions for a wide range of users E3) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of designing and working on projects relating to robust and testable implementation of mathematical models. E4) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of digital systems that take input and subject this to both automated and manual validation E5) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of designing systems to manage personally identifying information under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Nice to Haves N1) Recent (within 3 years) experience of working with public sector healthcare organisations in local or central government N2) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of working with interdisciplinary and cross disciplinary project teams including clinical and research science project members N3) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of delivery within an evidence-based policy environment including the development of a value proposition, KPIs and / or other metrics N4) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of analysis and optimisation of e-commerce user journeys including pain points N5) Recent (within 3 years) and demonstrable experience of developing systems to quality standards that must meet statutory or regulatory guidelines No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 5 Proposal Criteria P1) Proposed approach to conducting Discovery, Alpha and other phases to explore what digital/non-digital tools and/or technology (including e-commerce) can be used to meet the outcomes of this project (35) P2) Proposed approach to applying the principles of user centred design/user insights to assess the needs of a wide range of users including those who come from scientific/non-scientific backgrounds (25) P3) Proposed approach to exploring all aspects of commercial solution options such as batch data analysis including but not limited to risk / reward, pricing, potential market (8) P4) Provide two relevant case studies with named references that may be contacted by PHE (2) Cultural Fit Criteria The shortlisted suppliers will be invited to demonstrate cultural fit in in the following: C1) Working within the constraints of existing services and budgets (4 Marks) C2) working with a range of stakeholders including ones that have little knowledge of agile or user-centred design (3 Marks) C3) Flexible working arrangements and knowledge sharing. (3 Marks) Cultural fit will solely be assessed at the presentations i.e. a written response will not be required Payment Approach Capped time and materials Assessment Method Written proposal Case study Reference Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 70% Cultural fit 10% Price 20% Questions from Suppliers Budget range £37,250 excluding vat for discovery. additional phases tbc depending on the outcomes of discovery and budgetary approvals.