Invitation to Tender Title: Development of the Public Library Universal Learning Offer Deadline for receipt of tender proposals: 4th November 2014 @ 5pm 1. Background The Society of Chief Librarians (SCL) is a local government association made up of the chief librarian of each library authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Society of Chief Librarians takes a leading role in the development of public libraries through sharing best practice, advocating for continuous improvement on behalf of local people and leading the debate on the future of the public library service. SCL works in partnership with Arts Council England (ACE) and The Reading Agency and each is committed to keeping library services relevant and accessible to all people. Together they have identified four key areas of service, known as the Universal OffersZKLFKWRGD\¶VXVHUVUHJDUGDVLQWHJUDOWRSXEOLFOLEUDULHV7KH Universal Offers cover the four key areas of service which library customers and stakeholders see as essential to the 21st century library service. SCL has identified the need to develop a 5th Universal Offer focused on learning. 7KLVLVLQUHFRJQLWLRQRIERWKSXEOLFOLEUDULHV¶ORQJWUDGLWLRQDVµVWUHHWFRUQHU XQLYHUVLWLHV¶DQGWKHLUst century potential in supporting new and emerging forms of learning. As with all the Universal Offers, SCL expects that the Universal Learning Offer will reflect the wide range and diversity of people using public libraries, including children and young people. 1.1 Universal Offers The Universal Offers have given library servicesa set of national tools, resources and partnership blueprints which can be used locally to add value to and improve FXVWRPHUV¶OLYHVDQGZHOOEHLQJ Currently, more than 90% of libraries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have signed up and endorsed the Offers. The Offers are focused on Information, Health, Reading and Digital, with this work designed to develop an emerging fifth offer of Learning. The Universal Offers for library services have been informed by customer research, tested with a range of stakeholders and customers and were developed in partnership with Arts Council England and The Reading Agency. The framework of the Universal Offers has been pivotal in explaining to library VWDNHKROGHUVWKHUROHWKDWOLEUDULHVSOD\LQSHRSOH¶VOLYHVThey are a powerful advocacy tool for Heads of Service to use within their own local authority when making the case for libraries and evidencing the difference that they can make to communities. The Universal Offers provide a positive vision for the future of public libraries; they are a promise to customers and a commitment to quality provision across core areas of service. The Universal Offers aim to ensure that all aspects of the library offers are accessible to everyone. 1.2 Libraries and learning ± current context Underpinning this emerging offer is the expectation that public libraries will currently provide the following, as a baseline, to support learning: x Enabling access to free resources that support learning in arrange of formats which are appropriate for each learner x Study/learning spaces for children, young people and adults x Signposting to a range of free and low-cost learning opportunities available within communities x Providing opportunities for exploration and creation, especially for children and young people Libraries occupy a unique place within communities for informal learning and it is important to ensure that the baseline offer for learning is robust and enables a range opportunities for learners. Therefore, this baseline of provision is a unique selling point for libraries as there are few services which offer learning opportunities in a universal setting. The current learning offer within libraries adds value to people and communities in a range of ways which is rarely replicated elsewhere. Libraries already reach many different groups for learning - from young children to older people and library staff understand that different groups should be engaged with in different ways. What is more, opportunities spring from the current learning context to offer learning in a blended fashion such as through integrated family learning or intergenerational learning opportunities. 1.3 Development of the fifth offer It is recognised that an appetite for, and an encouragement towards, lifelong learning supports the development of this new universal offer. In developing this offer, SCL recognises that the role that public libraries play in supporting the learning of people of all ages is pivotal and lies at the core of what libraries should offer. Public libraries already provide equitable access to information, learning resources and space for study which supports the learning process. This emerging offer is based on the historical role of libraULHVDVµVWUHHWFRUQHUXQLYHUVLWLHV¶fusing with OLEUDULHV¶st century potential to support new and emerging forms of learning. Beyond this, the fifth offer of learning should move towards ensuring that the use and development of new and emerging technologies which enable learning are fostered and adopted by public libraries. As such, this offer has the potential to allow public libraries to engage creatively and ambitiously with developments such as: x Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) x Maker/Hack VSDFHVRUµ)DE/DEV¶ for young people x &RGLQJRSSRUWXQLWLHVIRU\RXQJSHRSOHWKURXJK&RGH&OXEVDQGµ5DVSEHUU\3L -DPV¶ x Creative learning opportunities for all customer groupswhich feed from Arts Council (QJODQG¶V VWUDWHJLFJRDOWRSURYLGHµGreat Art and Culture for EYHU\RQH¶ x Self-organised learning communities such as trade schools. The emerging learning offer should not be considered in isolation as the established offers often overlap and interconnect. Thus, a successful new learning offer will illustrate and give consideration to the areas of commonality between the offers and how this emerging offer will complement and add value to the established offers. 2. Specification 2.1 Project Description SCL is looking for the successful organisation to develop a robust underpinning evidence base for the Universal Learning Offer, specifically to: x Horizon scan the opportunities for public libraries in the context of the changing policy landscape for informal learning opportunities. Time and resource should also be given to evaluate the associated risks and/or constraints for public libraries around these opportunities. x Identify learner/customer expectations of public libraries in respect of this offer x Undertake robust research and investigation into the current good practice of SXEOLFOLEUDULHV¶VXSSRUWIRUOHDUQLQJDFURVVWKH8. and internationally. Synthesis of the learning from these case studies should be drawn together to create anassortment of transferable ideas or models. Additionally, exemplar case studies should be chosen to help with national advocacy of this new offer. x Investigate the existing needs around informal learning for both adults and children and the impacts of this on life chances and outcomes. This will take into x x x x x x x x account the rapidly changing social and economic landscape of the country and how this affects learning. Identify relevant partnerships and organisations through a scoping exercise to gauge their interest in working with SCL on this offer. Examples of these RUJDQLVDWLRQVLQFOXGH$VVRFLDWLRQRI6HQLRU&KLOGUHQ¶VDQG(GXFDWLRQ/LEUDULDQV $6&(/1DWLRQDO,QVWLWXWHRI$GXOW&RQWLQXLQJ(GXFDWLRQ1,$&(µ%ULGJH¶ organisations (ACE), FutureLearn, Department for Education (DfE), National Literacy Trust (NLT) etc. Research and consideration of the physical space of libraries and how they need to evolve to foster stimulating learning environments, allow for collaborative learning and self-directed learning. Use and arrangement of library space should never be underestimated as it is an important factor in most aspects of library service delivery. Evaluation of the proposed baseline offer (as outlined in 3.2) to ascertain if it is fit for purpose and what should be developed to support this offer. ,GHQWLILFDWLRQRIWKHDUHDVRIDOLJQPHQWZLWK$UWV&RXQFLO(QJODQG¶VSULRULWLHVIRU creative learning and demonstrate how these fit into the offer. Research the current curriculum developments which public libraries can link into. Examples of recent developments include changes to the core curriculum for primary schools, the new Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) priorities, including the teaching of coding, and a renewed government focus on innovation, skills and entrepreneurial working. ,GHQWLI\WKHUHOHYDQWVNLOOVDQGFRPSHWHQFLHVSXEOLFOLEUDULHV¶VWDIIZLOOQHHGLQ order to deliver a robust learning offer. This may include staff development of information, advice and guidance (IAG) or specific training for emerging technologies which will underpin the offer. Identify gaps and opportunities within current community-based / communityfocussed learner provision, and provide a view on how the Learning Offer could address these gaps / opportunities. Identify the relevant and significant calHQGDUVSLNHVVXFKDV$GXOW/HDUQHU¶V Week, which could directly influence the learning offer in libraries The end result of these activities will be a written report which provides robust evidence to underpin the Universal Learning Offer and its subsequent rollout to over 90% of public library services across England. Following on, or in tandem with this work, we anticipate the selected supplier will: x Recommend what should be in the core Learning Offer which all public libraries could reasonably be expected to offer and what added value components might be framed within the offer as recommended areas for innovation and service development; x x x x x x x Recommend key partners and funding streams relevant to supporting the rollout and implementation of the Offer Indicate any technological factors which SCL and library services may need to be aware of in rolling out the Offer Indicate any factors relating to physical spaces for learning which SCL and library services may need to be aware of in rolling out the Offer Identify clearly what broader policy outcomes a Universal Learning Offer could enable public library services to deliver Identify the outcomes for individuals and communities which a Universal Learning Offer could enable public library services to deliver Identify how quality assurance can be factored into the Offer. Customers must have the assurance that the diverse learning opportunities on offer are UREXVWDQGFRQWDLQWKHµJROGHQWKUHDG¶RITXDOLW\ Recommend appropriate evaluative tools and frameworks for measuring learning within a library setting, such as Generic Learning Outcomes (GLOs). 2.2 Requirements The successful supplier should be able to demonstrate evidence of: x x x x Experience and skills in developing policy and/or research Experience in producing an evaluation report for publication with recommendations and supporting qualitative and quantitative evidence, including case studies Knowledge of the formal and informal learning sectors Knowledge and experience of working with the public library and/or wider cultural sector Scope of service The successful supplier will need to work with and consult with the following stakeholders: x x National Project Team including ACE and SCL representatives and representation drawn from all regions in England A wide range of potential national partners 2.3 Project Timetable (to be agreed at the Project Initiation Meeting) Week commencing 10.11.14 17.11.14 Activity Interviews for shortlisted candidates/organisations in central London Project initiation meeting and sign off methodology with Project Team TBC 2.3.15 25.3.15 March 2015 Stakeholder consultation Draft report and presentation to steering group SCL Exec: Final report and recommendations sign off SCL Launch of Universal Learning Offer 2.4 Duration of contract The contract to the successful supplier will be awarded from 17.11.14 - 31.3.15. 3. Account management The supplier will report to Alison Wheeler, lead for SCL on the Universal Learning Offer, who will manage the contract on a day to day basis. The Society of Chief Librarians will assist in supplying relevant background information, including relevant strategies, plans and background papers, contact details, feedback, progress to date and local data collection as required, and contact details for other stakeholders. 4. Management Reporting The successful supplier will be required to attend as a minimum: x x Two meetings with the Project Steering Group (0.5 days) consisting of a project initiation meeting and end of project meeting to present the draft final report and recommendations Presentation of the report at SCL Executive The supplier will be required to provide brief progress updates at intervals during the project to be agreed at the project initiation meeting. 5. Pricing/Budget The budget allocated for this project is up to £25,000. 6. Payment Structure and billing requirements Payment will be made in two stages, on completion of key deliverables. x x Stage 1: Payment on receipt of the agreed methodology and project plan for completing stakeholder consultation, final report and case studies Stage 2: Agreed final report with recommendations signed off by the Project Team 7. Tender response requirements In responding to this tender, please include: x x x x x x Understanding of the objectives of the Invitation to Tender Overall design and proposed methodology Outputs Provisional timetable Personnel and responsibilities o Staff nominated to work on the project (including brief CVs and detailing their suitability/experience) o Any subcontracted work o Details of the lead contact Costs (excluding VAT, with VAT shown separately and clearly) In your tender response, clearly indicate the names, addresses and references / competencies of any sub-contractors you intend to use to provide the services, and the scope of work you will employ them for. 8. Evaluation Criteria The Project Team will assess and shortlist quotes. Overall assessment will be concerned with relevant skills and experience, taking account of the quality and cost of proposals. The quote will be assessed according to the following criteria and weighting: Criteria Methodology: x Will the proposed approach work with the dispersed network of the SCL membership? x Will the proposed approach be universal enough to be transferrable across the membership? x Is the approach comprehensive enough to take into account the diverse range of factors for this new offer? Weighting 25% Context: x Does the application show understanding of the public library agenda, challenges and opportunities in the wider sense? x Does it show understanding around learning? Experience of similar work in the public library or wider cultural sector Cost: x Does the proposal represent good value for money? Clarity of writing, including strength of narrative and avoidance of unnecessary jargon 30% 25% 15% 5% It is anticipated that an interview and presentation will be required as part of the assessment process. This will take place on 10th November in central London. A Project Initiation Meeting will take place on 17th November. Please submit your quotation in accordance with all of the instructions, requirements and specifications set out in the invitation to quote. 9. Instructions to tenderers Bids must be returned by 4.11.14 @ 5pm Please submit your quotation in accordance with all of the instructions, requirements and specifications set out in the Invitation to Tender. You must treat this document and any further information provided by SCL as confidential at all times and only disclose them if necessary to prepare a compliant quotation. Nothing in the enclosed documentation or appendices, or any other communication made between SCL and any other party, can be considered a contract or agreement at this stage. All correspondence in relation to this quotation should be addressed to: Ciara Eastell, President, Society of Chief Librarians, Devon Libraries, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7NL [email protected] 9.1 Compliance The Society of Chief Librarians reserves the right to disqualify or reduce the evaluation score of any prospective supplier who do not fully comply with the requirements in the ITT; in particular in relation to the closing time and date. The Society of Chief Librarians reserves the right to evaluate proposals on a variety of criteria. The quotation with the lowest price will not automatically be accepted unless stated in our evaluation criteria section. The Society of Chief Librarians is not responsible, and will not pay for any expenses or losses you incur during, but not limited to, the application preparation, visits, negotiations or interviews. It is your responsibility to ensure that any consortium member, sub-contractor and adviser abide by the conditions set out by The Society of Chief Librarians. In submitting a response to this ITT it will be implied that you accept all the provisions of this ITT including these conditions. 9.2 Prices The approximate value of the proposed work will be up to £25,000 inclusive of VAT. Please note that, whilst not the only criteria, value for money is a key element of our evaluation criteria. Prices should be fixed and firm for the duration of the contract. 9.3 Validity of offer You must offer your quotation for acceptance for 30 days from the deadline for receipt of quotations. Please note that by submitting a quotation for consideration you are confirming that, as an officer for the company/organisation that you represent, you have read and understood the ITT document and that your offer to the Society of Chief Librarians is open for acceptance for 30 days from the quotation closing date. 9.4 Invitation to Tender If we need to amend any information in this ITT document before the closing date, we will write to you with any changes. If we extend the deadline for receipt of quotations, we will advise you. The Society of Chief Librarians reserves the right, in their absolute discretion, to cancel or suspend this ITT process at any time and for any reason. If we need to do this we will notify you in writing as soon as is reasonably practical. The Society of Chief Librarians is not responsible, and will not pay for any expenses or losses you incur during, but not limited to, the preparation of your quotation, site visits, post-ITT negotiations or interviews. 9.5 Information and questions If you need us to clarify the documentation or if you have further questions regarding the ITT process please email [email protected] The Society of Chief Librarians will aim to respond to reasonable requests for further information within the timescale of the ITT. The Society of Chief Librarians reserves the right to advise all other prospective suppliers included in this ITT of any material questions and the answers supplied without disclosing the source of the enquiry 9.6 Return of Quotation 3OHDVHVHQGDQHOHFWURQLFFRS\PDUNHGµFRPPHUFLDOLQFRQILGHQFH¶WRWKH3URMHFW Steering Group members: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] In addition, a hard copy of your submission should also be sent to: Ciara Eastell, President, Society of Chief Librarians, Devon Libraries, Great Moor House, Bittern Road, Sowton, Exeter EX2 7NL All quotations should be received no later than 5pm on 4.11.14. Any quotation delivered after that time for any reason may be discounted. The Society of Chief Librarians is not responsible if all or part of your quotation is not received. You should use a traceable dispatch system. In the event of a dispute, you are responsible to prove the quotation was delivered. 9.7 Interviews / Presentations The Society of Chief Librarians reserves the right to ask you to attend an interview or present your proposals. Interviews, if requiredwill take place on 10th November in central London. You are responsible for all your expenses when attending such interviews.
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