Scope
Reference
project_9848
Description
The Department is launching an early adopter pilot scheme as part of its work to modernise Children's Social Care (CSC) data collections. The goal is to address longstanding inefficiencies in existing annual data collection processes by assessing the feasibility, scalability, and value of the department's newly developed application programming interface (API). The pilot will test automated data ingestion, working collaboratively with a sample of local authorities (LAs) and case management system (CMS) suppliers to allow for more timely data access, and analysis.
Data will flow into a private access version of the CSC dashboard, facilitating measurement of children's social care outcomes.
Key objectives include:
1. Assessing the burden and cost implications for LAs and DfE when implementing more timely data flows.
2. Evaluating the accuracy of data extracted through the API.
3. Determining the scalability of the solution for potential implementation across all LAs.
The Department have identified two CMS suppliers who will initially support the delivery of the early adopter scheme.
This initiative supports the CSC reform agenda and the Keeping Children Safe Mission by addressing critical data gaps, enabling faster benchmarking of National Framework indicators, and improving access to timely, evidence-based insights.
Contract 1. Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API
Supplier
Contract value
- £297,500 excluding VAT
- £357,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 June 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year, 6 months
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
DfE has an option to increase the number of local authorities participating in the pilot. Subject to suitable applications from local authorities for the early adopter's scheme, the maximum value of this contract will be between £190,000 and £297,500.
CPV classifications
- 72300000 - Data services
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Contract 2. Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API
Supplier
Contract value
- £108,000 excluding VAT
- £129,600 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 June 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 July 2025 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year, 6 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72300000 - Data services
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Prototypes and development
The Department will be procuring two contracts to support the delivery of the early adopter scheme, a pilot designed to modernise the collection of children's social care (CSC) data. The DfE relies on the justification at para. 2 (Prototypes & Development) of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023 for the direct award of these contracts.
This pilot involves the testing of a newly developed DfE automated infrastructure to assess the suitability and scalability of automated data flows and timely data access for CSC. The suppliers will be required to develop bespoke technical solutions to connect to the newly developed DfE system and enable data transfers. The contracts will enable the connection between selected supplier systems and the DfE API, allowing data to flow between a small sample of local authorities to the private CSC dashboard. The outputs of contract delivery will support research into the feasibility of producing and supplying frequent CSC data at scale, while assessing data quality, technical viability, and burdens on both DfE and local authorities.
The duration of the contracts will be up to 18 months, which includes the time needed for suppliers to connect to departmental infrastructure and a 12-month period for data ingestion, commencing October-December 2025. It is necessary for data ingestion to run over statutory collection cycles, as it will provide insights into how this technical solution compares to existing statutory returns.
Conducting a full competition would have introduced disproportionate costs and delays, given the limited number of suppliers with the necessary data permissions and the need to ensure timely delivery of the pilot's objectives. It would also potentially have wasted public funds in the event that the technical solution does not work as envisaged. The decision to award these contracts ensures the pilot progresses efficiently and provides the insights needed to inform decisions on future scalability.
The suppliers selected for this pilot are able to provide the required solutions as they hold existing contracts with local authorities and have the necessary permissions to access CSC data, ensuring compatibility with the pilot's objectives and timelines. Suppliers selected demonstrated alignment with the pilot's objectives and timescales, providing solutions that represent proportional value for the scope and purpose of the pilot.
Following the conclusion of the pilot, if the solution is proven viable and scalable, the Department will consider conducting a competitive procurement process for broader implementation.
Suppliers
Azeus UK Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVYT-5638-GRNG
2.02, Borough Yards, 13 Dirty Lane,
London
SE1 9PA
United Kingdom
Email: ukpresales@azeus.com
Region: UKI44 - Lewisham and Southwark
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 2. Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API
Liquidlogic Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQZP-7521-PPGQ
Arden Court, Arden Street
Stratford Upon Avon
CV37 6NT
United Kingdom
Email: ordersll@systemc.com
Region: UKG13 - Warwickshire
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API
Contracting authority
Department for Education
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDZG-3487-DPVD
Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P3BT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government