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Summary

OCID:: ocds-h6vhtk-03cf85
Published by:: Ofsted
Authority ID:: AA61227
Publication date:: 26 May 2023
Deadline date:: -
Notice type:: Prior Information Notice
Has documents:: No
Has SPD:: No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:: No

Abstract

Regulation Services is part of what we refer to as our Application and Data Modernisation (ADM) portfolio of work.

Ofsted's aim is to modernise its services, moving away from reliance on a single system into modular digital products and services. In future Ofsted plans to store its data in a common data platform, which is currently being developed by Ofsted as part of our digital transformation program. We expect this to improve the visibility of critical information to inspectors and other decision makers, and meet business and user needs.

We have undertaken significant engagement and research with internal regulatory stakeholders to determine key strategic functions of a future regulatory system. We are now looking for a solution that provides the following outcomes:

- Regulatory decisions and rationale are recorded in a clear, structured and consistent manner.

- Historic information is easily accessible and understandable to support dynamic assessment of risk.

- Links, patterns and trends are flagged to ensure relevant information is reviewed.

- Intelligence can be extracted to provide management, corporate and strategic oversight and insight.

- Capability and capacity to implement changes that keep pace with policy and operational developments.

- An intuitive system that makes it as easy and efficient as possible to complete tasks with minimum errors.

Ofsted is issuing this Prior Information Notice (PIN) as a Request for Information (RFI) from suppliers regarding possible software solutions that can support Ofsted's regulatory activities, including casework. This will help Ofsted understand the capacity and appetite within the market. As a constantly evolving regulator, we are seeking a flexible and responsive solution which meets our core regulatory needs. This involves presenting complex data, management of multiple workflows and enabling professional oversight.

Ofsted is keen to understand the systems that are readily available in the marketplace and suppliers are invited to express an interest in this RFI / market engagement process by emailing info-contracts@ofsted.gov.uk. They will then be provided with a more detailed briefing pack, supplier questionnaire, and details of an upcoming webinar.

Information received as part of this market engagement exercise may be used to shape Ofsted's final specification of requirements, and scope any resulting procurement process.

The objectives of the RFI / Pre-Market Engagement Process are:

- To ensure the broadest possible participation in any future competition by the market.

- For the market to find out more about Ofsted's requirements

- To explore what suppliers are present in this sector, and how their services are/can be delivered and supported

- To understand if there is any existing solution that can deliver the scale, flexibility and interoperability that is required

- To help determine the most appropriate route to market

- To obtain any relevant market insight from suppliers

Suppliers are invited to express an interest in this RFI / market engagement process by emailing info-contracts@ofsted.gov.uk. They will then be provided with a more detailed briefing pack and supplier questionnaire.

The briefing document provides detail of the background and technical requirements. It also sets out several considerations on which Ofsted is seeking market views.

The webinar session will be held virtually via MS Teams on 21st June 2023 at 11am.

Ofsted will explain and discuss our considerations further at the webinar.

Full notice text

Prior information notice

This notice is for prior information only

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

OFSTED

Piccadilly Gate

MANCHESTER

M1 2WD

Contact person: Info Contracts

E-mail: info-contracts@ofsted.gov.uk

NUTS: UK

Internet address(es)

Main address: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ofsted

I.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address

I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions

I.5) Main activity

Other: Childcare & Children's Social Care Regulation

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

CON 1354 Software solution to support the management of Ofsted's internal regulatory casework activities

Reference number: CON 1354

II.1.2) Main CPV code

48000000

II.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

II.1.4) Short description

Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. We regulate and inspect services that care for children and young people, and services providing education and skills for learners of all ages.

Every week, we carry out hundreds of inspections and regulatory visits throughout England and publish the results online. We also report on standards across the country and are accountable directly to Parliament. Ofsted's inspections are independent and impartial.

Ofsted regulates over 87,000 children's social care and childcare services throughout England. This includes a range of early years and children's social care services, making sure they're suitable for children and potentially vulnerable young people. We have a wide range of enforcement powers to keep children safe, which includes suspension, cancellation and prosecution.

The PIN is also to alert the market to a potential tender opportunity.

It should be noted that this PIN/RFI invites organisations to express an interest in this RFI exercise only. It is being conducted by Ofsted and is intended as an awareness, communication, and information gathering exercise.

It is NOT a pre-qualification questionnaire and is NOT part of any pre-qualification or selection process.

Please note Ofsted is seeking to engage with suppliers with a proven track record of delivering established regulatory casework software.

This market engagement is not addressed to or seeking views from software developers who are looking to build a case management system to meet our requirements.

Suppliers should express an interest in this RFI / market engagement process by emailing info-contracts@ofsted.gov.uk by 16th June 4pm. All suppliers will then be provided with a more detailed briefing pack, supplier questionnaire and details of an upcoming webinar.

The supplier webinar will be held on 21st June 2023 using Microsoft Teams. It will enable Ofsted to set out its needs and vision to suppliers, as well as sharing details of the tender process. Participants will have the opportunity to ask any questions.

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

II.2) Description

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

II.2.4) Description of the procurement