Item Writing Framework for the Standards and Testing Agency (STA) from 2016

The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) is an executive agency of the Department for Education (DfE).

The STA’s main functions are to:

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 establish an Item Writing Framework of suitably experienced suppliers to develop items (test questions) and mark schemes for a range of DfE assessments. STA plan to establish the framework agreement by April 2016 and it will operate for a maximum of four years.

Currently, STA procures new items for key stage 1 and key stage 2 National Curriculum Tests (English reading; English grammar, punctuation and spelling; and mathematics at key stage 1. Those same subjects plus science at key stage 2), and items for the on-screen Professional Skills Tests for Prospective Teachers (for Literacy and Numeracy). As new items are required, suppliers on the framework will be invited to submit invitations to quote (ITQs) on a project by project basis to secure call-off contracts.

The total value of the work over the maximum term of four years is expected to be between £500,000 and £5,000,000

See 'Attachments' for further information including indicative key dates.

Additional information: The Department is planning to hold a Supplier Briefing event in order to engage with potential suppliers of the services subject to tender. This event is to take place in Coventry on 20 October 2015.

If you are a supplier interested in attending please send an email expressing your interest and provide your contact details to mark.horton@education.gsi.gov.uk along with a brief overview of your organisation and specific interest in this requirement by 14 October 2015 at noon.