Computer Based Skills Testing

See 'Attachments' for a Word version. The Standards and Testing Agency wish to procure a Test Delivery Service and associated development processes to support the Professional Skills Test for Prospective Teachers. The Service will incorporate delivering the Skills Test, supporting the development of test content and analysing and delivering reports required by the Department for Education and other external stakeholders. The Standards and Testing Agency is responsible for the delivery of the Professional Skills Tests for Prospective Teachers on behalf of the Department for Education. The Tests play a vital role in ensuring the Government's commitment to the recruitment of capable high quality Teachers and they are required to be accessible to Prospective Teachers on a continual basis. The requirement is for a computer based testing service delivered across a network of test centres across the United Kingdom (currently 50, mainly in England but with testing also taking place in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) and potentially abroad. Regionally based testing centres across the UK will be required. The solution must include an online candidate management system for prospective teachers to book and pay for tests and a telephone enquiry line to support those prospective teachers requiring special arrangements. The solution should also include a results supply system that prospective teachers and Initial Teacher Training providers can access to check exam results. Also required is a process for user acceptance testing for all solutions. Additionally, systems for providing secure transfer of test data and reporting as well as hosting practice tests, both online and downloadable, will need to be delivered. Test and item management processes will be required along with the ability to migrate all test content, results and records, practice tests and other non-live tests using industry standard formats.

Additional information: This notice is for information only, and the Department reserves the right not to enter a formal procurement process and not award contract(s). Accordingly, the Authority will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work or effort incurred by a supplier in acting on the basis of this Prior Information Notice.

There is an incumbent contract and TUPE Regulations may apply. All future information will be issued to potential suppliers via the Bravo Solutions e-procurement platform. Suppliers can access this system at https://education.bravosolutions.co.uk where the details of how to register and the terms of free registration are presented. Any questions about the proposed procurement can be submitted to the following e-mail address; [email protected] Potential suppliers are advised to familiarise themselves with the Government's Data Security and Off-shoring policies.

Estimated value: Circa £3m per year (3 years with option to extend for 1 year and further 1 year).