The main elements of the requirement are the fieldwork to support Scotland’s participation in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2015; undertaking National Project Manager (NPM) duties; and the field trial for electronic assessment in 2014.

The main stage fieldwork will involve target samples of 110 secondary schools, and 35 pupils within each school. The main survey is due to take place between the 1.3.2015 and the 2.4.2015, and will consist of pupils taking tests and completing a questionnaire, and completion of a questionnaire about the school by a senior school staff member. Contractors will be required to carry out two field trials in March 2014; one to pilot survey procedures, tests and questionnaires, and a larger one to trial the proposed electronic assessment.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=229713.

The awarding authority has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via a 'Tender Submission Postbox' facility. Further details of this facility are available at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/PostBox/Postbox_Explain.aspx?ID=229713.

Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems. The postbox closes precisely at the time stated.