A Feasibility Study on Monographs – Q&A

The deadline for raising queries is 4th November. All queries received before the deadline and responses given are summarised in this document:

Q. Do you have any more detail about how you expect the ITT response to be constructed, beyond the "Method Statement" clauses in the document? For example, do you need CVs of the consultant(s) who will do the work, do you need examples of previous work, references etc.?

A. We want to work with consultants who not only have in-depth knowledge and expertise in the subject but also can bring something unique/new to the thinking about national monograph management. Items you mentioned, such as CVs and references, would definitely be welcomed as they help us understand more about what the consultants can offer and their track records.

Q. Do you have evaluation criteria for the ITT responses that you can share?

A. The NMSG will follow the criteria listed below:

1. Technical Capabilities (20%) - e.g. the Consultant’s experience, expertise, and reputation2. Service Capabilities (60%) – e.g. methodology, responses to key areas of research, and the

Consultant’s insight3. Pricing (20%) – e.g. value for money, cost breakdown, and total cost

Q. What is the nature and degree of engagement of the NMSG? How definitive do you expect the Stage 2 output to be given the time constraint? How will you take the output forward? Do you want us to consider the end (student, researcher etc.) user experience (Ux)?

A. Members of the NMSG are highly committed to the study and are willing to work closely with the Consultant to ensure the best outcome can be delivered. We communicate our expectations through the ITT; at the same time, we are interested in finding out new ideas and viewpoints from potential bidders.

Q. Could you give us more information on the phasing, timing for the study, and the length of the pause in February? What kind of questions the NMSG expect to see by the end of Stage 1?

A. The Consultant is expected to conduct a literature review during Stage 1 and develop some questions to be put to the community in stage 2 of the project. The pause between Stages 1 and 2 is intended to allow the NMSG to consider and review the questions and progress. Consultations with the stakeholders and the development of options based on those consultations are expected to be delivered during Stage 2. The NMSG is keen to find out new dimensions and ideas that the Consultant could bring to the study. The study is expected to be completed by April 2017 but some flexibility is possible considering holiday breaks between December 2016 and April 2017 and discussions between the NMSG and the Consultant that shall take place once the contract has been awarded.

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