2nd Condition Data Collection Programme - Technical Quality Management

The DfE undertook a suite of procurements through which it will deliver the CDC2 programme. The first of these was the procurement of the IT solution (see OJEU notice ref: 2019/S 225-552062).

The second was this procurement of a technical quality manager ('TQM'). The third procurement related to that of the surveying organisations ('SOs') to carry out surveys of the school estate.

This notice relates to the procurement of the TQM. As expected the procurement of the TQM and SOs were carried out simultaneously.

The TQM will provide technical leadership and advice to all CDC2 programme stakeholders. The TQM will also be responsible for ensuring the maintenance of standards, continuous improvement, training and quality assurance of survey provision to ensure the provision of consistent high quality data throughout the duration of the CDC2 programme.

The full requirements of the TQM services are set out in the procurement documents. The initial term of the contract will be 5,5 years, with option to extend for a further period or periods of up to a maximum overall extension of 2 years.

The initial term begins with an implementation period of 3 months and allows for a 3-month handover period prior to expiry (and the optional extension). This is to accommodate the 5 year CDC2 programme.

Supplementary to the CDC2 programme and process, the DfE may require the TQM to take a leading role in overseeing the collection of Net Capacity Assessment ('NCA') data to understand the use of spaces within schools. The TQM role would ensure SOs understand the level and detail of data required to collect before commencing; and develop audit processes in conjunction with DfE and audit and quality assure the data collected.

This data is used to measure and plan school places provision. Tenderers were required to submit a pre-priced fully developed contract variation in respect of the NCA requirement.

Further details of the NCA are contained in the procurement documents. The ITT requested information on how the TQM could support the collection of room level data to facilitate the DfE's NCA processes.

However, it is not known at the time of issuing this Notice whether services relating to NCA will actually be commissioned under the contract. On this basis the pre-priced variation was not be evaluated.