Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Lowden, 24 Wester Shawfair, Dalkeith
Midlothian
EH22 1FD
Telephone
+44 03452136720
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM73 - East Lothian and Midlothian
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00386
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Other type
NDPB
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Electronic Marking System
Reference number
SQA2092
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
Extension to current Electronic Marking System
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £4,200,000
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 48000000 - Software package and information systems
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM73 - East Lothian and Midlothian
Main site or place of performance
Scottish Qualifications Authority
The Optima Building, 58 Robertson Street, Glasgow G2 8DQ &
Lowden, 24 Wester Shawfair. Dalkeith, Midlothian EH22 1FD
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Extension to SQA's current Electronic Marking System contract, required to their regulated duties as an awarding body
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
In June 2021 it was announced that that SQA was to be replaced and the subsequent announcement of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (Hayward Review) has meant that SQA's focus has been on maintaining risk free service delivery during the last 3 years of uncertainty, given multiple changes to our delivery model in that time.
The outcomes of the Independent Review of Qualifications and Assessment (Hayward Review) could potentially have a significant impact on both the nature and volume of marking. Continued uncertainty on the outcomes from Hayward have hindered our ability to futureproof any contractual requirement at the key point at which we should have been redefining the marking model to inform a full tender exercise.
With SQA being replaced, and the date for the new body not yet confirmed, late 2025 is the estimated timeline for the new body, SQA is required to consider the most appropriate approach to ensuring a continuity of functionality and a smooth continuation of the delivery of the National Qualifications diet. SQA is proposing to extend its current contract for an EMarking System for a further period of 2 years. The current contract is due to expire on the 28th Febuary 2025. This 2-year extension will take the contract to the 28th February 2027 and allow for a period of discovery and planning for a future direction of e-marking, aligning well with the ongoing work related to the wider Education Reform programme (to which SQA has already committed) to review both the portfolio of qualifications and the methods of assessment.
SQA will during 2024 issue a Prior Information Notice to engage with market place on SQA's direction of travel with this service. This will happen once the outcomes of Hayward and the Education reform programme become clearer.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2017/S 250-520742
Section five. Award of contract/concession
Contract No
SQA2092
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
29 November 2018
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
RM Education Ltd
140 Eastern Avenue, Milton Park
Abingdon
OX14 4SB
Telephone
+44 8450700300
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £4,200,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
SQA will during 2024, issue a Prior Information Notice to engage with the market place on SQA's direction of travel with this service. This will happen once the outcomes of Hayward and the Education reform programme become clearer.
(SC Ref:757449)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Glasgow Sheriif Court
Glasgow
Country
United Kingdom