CDEI Algorithmic Transparency Standard Repository; Discovery and Alpha Phase

Tender description

Summary of the work The CDEI is looking for a team with a proven track record to run a discovery phase for a repository of transparency reports produced under the algorithmic transparency standard. Expected Contract Length 10 weeks - If the dates include the Christmas period, we would expect a 1-2 week pause in the work. Latest start date Monday 31 October 2022 Budget Range Up to £75,000k Why the Work is Being Done The CDEI has developed the public sector Algorithmic Transparency Standard jointly with the Cabinet Office. It provides a standardised way for public sector bodies to provide information on algorithmic tools used in decision-making processes. We want to explore possibilities for creating an online repository to host transparency reports in an easy-to-use and accessible way, within the gov.uk branding. We may look to automate parts of the completion process and it will need to meet the service standard for gov.uk. This phase should look to explore options for establishing individual repositories for different parts of the public sector (e.g. the NHS). External user-groups: The general public, civil society groups, academia, and the media who will be accessing the repository. Public sector teams who will be uploading their transparency reports. Additional use: public sector teams who want to learn how algorithmic tools are being used elsewhere in the sector. We will undertake specialised public insights research: we expect this contract to focus on gathering insights from public sector teams, and working with our public-insights team to incorporate analysis into the early prototypes. The CDEI will play an active role in this project, working closely with the supplier through discovery and alpha. Problem to Be Solved We are currently posting the first transparency reports as a collection at the bottom of a gov.uk page. This is not easily accessible for the general public and will be impossible to do effectively at scale. The process for completing the standard template is also cumbersome and takes time for those completing it to navigate the document, as well as time for the CDEI team to verify information and formatting. We are seeking an experienced delivery partner who can create a web platform to host this information, embedding principles of user experience design. In this discovery phase, the outputs are expected to include: A catalogue of prioritised user needs for the user groups below. An assessment of the ability of existing platforms to meet these needs. A high level proposed scope for a future delivery phase. In the alpha phase, the outputs are expected to include: Initial prototyping for the repository. Who Are the Users There are three user groups of the platform: Public sector organisations who are using algorithmic tools as part of their decision making process and will be completing the standard template. E.g. Govt. departments; the NHS; Local Authorities; the Police. They need to be able to complete the standard template easily and update it as required. Some coordinating groups (e.g. sector-based membership bodies) may want to be able to access the information through an API and pull out relevant fields. The general public who are accessing the information on algorithmic tools and need them in a complete, open, understandable, easily-accessible and free format (this includes individual citizens, as well as civil society and academia). The CDEI team who will need to check through submitted transparency reports and are responsible for the long term maintenance of the repository including ensuring transparency reports are up to date. They will need automated tools to ensure this maintenance requires minimal resource. The platform needs to meet the accessibility needs and digital skill levels of a broad range of users. Early Market Engagement N/A Work Already Done The existing template for the algorithmic transparency standard is hosted on gov.uk and can be accessed as a csv file. The first pilot transparency reports are hosted on gov.uk as links at the bottom of the webpage for the standard. The CDEI has already done significant public attitudes work on the expectation of external readers of transparency reports. This supplier’s discovery phase is expected to focus on how to translate this onto a web platform, and the backend user needs of public sector teams using the platform. Existing Team The supplier will be working closely with the existing CDEI team which includes a head of project, senior technology advisor, policy advisors and supplier manager. The team also works closely with CDEI’s advisory board of global leading experts. The supplier will be expected to work with these team members as part of a blended team, working to shared objectives. Current Phase Discovery Skills & Experience • Experience of rapid delivery of digital products to ambitious deadlines, leading to operational solution delivery. • Demonstrable experience of delivering engaging and dynamic user interfaces. • Demonstrable experience of running effective user workshops for gathering user needs. • Experience delivering services that meet the GDS Service standards. • Demonstrable accountability and experience of working within multi-agency team environments to deliver joint visions and products. Nice to Haves • Experience of documenting technical solutions so they can be maintained by others. • Experience of upskilling existing teams to maintain solutions delivered. • Have a track record of delivering trustworthy solutions and/or who have a reputation for trustworthy innovation. Work Location The majority of the work can be performed from any location and will primarily be virtual via Google Meet. It would be desirable for the supplier to be able to join us occasionally for face-to-face discussions or to host our team at their offices (as agreed). However this is optional. The CDEI is based at 100 Parliament Street, London, SW1A 2BQ. Supplier travel/subsistence for attendance at the CDEI office is at supplier expense. Working Arrangments The supplier will work in an agile way - to scope, plan and deliver the work, with weekly stand-ups, active communication and will conduct regular ‘show and tell' sessions to demonstrate progress. Online meetings will take place via Google Meet. The CDEI staff will be available during UK core hours (10am-4pm) each working day. The supplier will supply their own equipment and technology. Security Clearance Baseline clearance will be required (BPSS). Additional T&Cs N/A No. of Suppliers to Evaluate 6 Proposal Criteria • Provide evidence of the profile, skills, experience and ability to deliver our required outcomes. • Demonstrate how project timescales will be met and outcomes will be delivered in budget. • Explain how you will work in partnership with the CDEI, the Central Digital and Data Office (CDDO), and our partners to deliver the right outcomes. • Presentation question: demonstrate how you will approach the discovery phase including user research and prototyping Cultural Fit Criteria • Work in an open and transparent way, sharing work in progress and involving others as you go - responding positively to constructive challenge. • Explain what methods you propose to use to engage; communicate, constructively challenge and work effectively with our team. • Describe how you propose to support positive working relationships throughout the life of the contract. Payment Approach Fixed price Assessment Method • Work history • Reference • Presentation Evaluation Weighting Technical competence 50% Cultural fit 20% Price 30% Questions from Suppliers No questions have been answered yet.