Item Writing Framework 2020-2023 STA 246

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is looking to procure suppliers for its new 2020-2023 item Writing Services Framework. This notice is to advise of our intention to engage with the market prior to potentially running a competitive procurement process to source item writing agencies for the new framework. As part of this early market engagement exercise, we wish to engage with suppliers to outline our requirements and explain how potential bidders may ready themselves for any competitive process that may follow. The event will also provide an opportunity for potential bidders to ask questions. This online early market engagement event for interested parties will be held on Wednesday 19 February 2020 between 10:00-12:00 GMT. If you are interested in attending this pre-market engagement event, please email TendersTD.STA@education.gov.uk and copy in Chris.Davies@education.gov.uk by close of play on Wednesday 12 February 2020 with your contact details. We welcome interest from parties who have expertise in the National Curriculum delivery and Item writing

About the Proposed Item Writing Services Framework procurement As part of the test development process, the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) requires suppliers experienced in item writing to support the development of the Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 National Curriculum tests. As part of the test development process, the DfE requires a number of suppliers who are capable of understanding the relevant programmes of study, test frameworks and curricula for particular tests and developing high-quality test items, with accompanying mark schemes and/or coding frames. Successful suppliers will be added to the Item Writing Framework 2020-2023 and will have the opportunity to bid for each call-off from the framework between 1 August 2020 - 31 July 2023. Once an organisation has been accepted on to the framework, they will bid for item writing contracts. An invitation to quote (ITQ) will be disseminated to all those on the framework for all work. Each call-off from this framework will provide requirement details including the subject and content domain areas, item types, mark range, difficulty range and other desired properties.

For full details of this opportunity download the attachment or contact: Chris Davies E-mail: Chris.Davies@education.gov.uk and TendersTD.STA@education.gov.uk