Forensic Script Examination Service for the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) 2015.

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE). The STA’s main functions are to: • develop high quality and rigorous DfE tests and assessments in line with Ministerial policy; • undertake operational delivery of DfE tests and assessment (including printing, distribution, marking and data capture of tests as appropriate); • support schools, test centres and other stakeholders to deliver DfE tests and assessments; • support and implement arrangements for moderation of teacher assessment judgements. STA is responsible for developing and delivering the national curriculum tests and assessments and ensuring their proper and safe production and administration. These assessments operate across Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and key stages 1, 2 and 3 and are used by a wide range of maintained and other schools. STA is also responsible for developing and delivering Professional Skills Tests for prospective teachers. Further information about STA and the national curriculum tests and assessments can be found at www.education.gov.uk/assessments. Description of the contract

STA wish to appoint a third party supplier to undertake a forensic examination of a sample of the 2015 levels 3-5 National Curriculum test scripts, from a selected sample of schools, to try and identify cases of suspected maladministration. The sample of schools will be identified by STA. The contract will be for a single project, taking place between July and November 2015.

Scheduled date for start of award procedures The contract will be awarded by 31 July 2015, allowing for the script examination to take place in autumn 2015. The required services include (but are not limited to):

TECHNICAL • Forensic script examination procedures • Test and pupil data handling • Storage and management of scripts during the examination process • Data capture and management • Data analysis • Report on outcomes of script examinations

GENERAL • Project Management • Management Information • Security • Business Continuity • Financial Requirements • Resources • Quality Assurance

See 'Attachments' for a word version of the advert along with an indicative timetable and further details.

Additional information: The Department is holding a Supplier Briefing event in order to engage with potential suppliers of the services subject to tender. This event will take place at the STA offices at Earlsdon Park, Coventry on Friday 20th March 2015. The event commences at 11am and will close no later than 4pm.

If you are a supplier interested in attending please send an email expressing your interest and providing your contact details to [email protected] along with a brief overview of your organisation and specific interest in this requirement by 12 noon on Monday 16th March 2015.

Disclaimers and conditions: No information contained on the DfE website, this notice or in any communication made between STA and any party in connection with this requirement, shall be relied upon as constituting a contract, agreement or representation that any contract will necessarily be offered. STA reserves the right to change without notice any documents and communications, in whole or in part. Under no circumstances shall STA incur any liability in respect of this supporting documentation and STA will not reimburse any costs incurred by any parties in connection with their use of these communications nor in connection with participation at the Supplier briefing. All dates are provided for guidance only and are subject to change without notice.