Project_10223 - EdTech Testbed Programme procurement

Descriptions

Early Engagement Notice: Department for Education's (DfE) EdTech Testbed Programme Market Engagement Session. Today, at Bett UK, the Secretary of State announced (see link for further details) that the DfE will be investing an additional £23m to expand our EdTech Impact Testbed pilot into the 4-year DfE EdTech Testbed Programme. The expanded programme will generate robust evidence over 4 years on the effectiveness of EdTech products and practice, including new AI tools and Assistive Technologies (AT), to reduce workload, improve outcomes, and support inclusion. Market Engagement Session: The Department for Education intends to procure a research and delivery supplier to evaluate the impact of EdTech tools in real education settings and deliver Lot 2 of the DfE EdTech Testbed Programme, scheduled to run from FY 2026-27 to FY 2029-30. As part of our pre procurement activity, we will be hosting a Market Engagement Session on Thursday 5 February 14:00-15:15. This session will provide potential suppliers with an opportunity to learn more about the programme aims, expected requirements, anticipated procurement approach, and timelines. It will also be an opportunity for suppliers to feedback on our invitation to tender. Supplier Registration for the Market Engagement Session: Suppliers interested in attending the market engagement session are invited to register their interest as soon as possible by emailing: Edtech.TESTBED@education.gov.uk Please include in the subject: Registration for DfE EdTech Testbed Programme market engagement session. Further details regarding the online event, including format and joining instructions, will be provided following registration. Procurement Route: Subject to internal approvals, we intend to open the EdTech Testbed tender to suppliers registered on the Crown Commercial Services Research and Insight Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS). We are sharing this information early to ensure potential suppliers have sufficient time to complete registration should they wish to bid. DPS Registration: If you are not currently registered on the Research and Insight DPS, you are encouraged to begin the process as soon as possible via the Supplier Registration Service: Step 1 - Choose type of organisation - Supplier Registration Service Please note that registration typically takes 15-21 days to complete. Suppliers whose registration is not finalised at the point the procurement goes live may be unable to submit a bid.