con_27599 - Children's Social Care Private Dashboard Early Adopters Scheme: Pilot CMS API

Location

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. 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.

Award Detail

CPV Codes

• None found

Legal Justification

The Department has entered into a contract 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 this contract. 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 supplier will be required to develop a bespoke technical solution to connect to the newly developed DfE system and enable data transfers. The contract will enable the connection between the selected supplier systems and the DfE API, allowing data to flow between a sample local authority 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 contract will be 18 months, which includes the time needed for the supplier to connect to departmental infrastructure and a 12-month period for data ingestion, due to commence April 2026. 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 this contract ensures the pilot progresses efficiently and provides the insights needed to inform decisions on future scalability. The supplier selected for this pilot is able to provide the required solution 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. The supplier selected demonstrated alignment with the pilot's objectives and timescales, providing a solution that represents 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.

Other Information

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