Request for Information (RFI): Provision of Software Development and Data Services via a Service-Based Contract

Request for Information (RFI): Provision of Software Development and Data Services via a Service-Based Contract

Summary

Cottsway is seeking information from organisations capable of providing software development and data services through a service-based contract. This follows an internal review of resourcing options and a decision to explore external delivery models in place of direct recruitment.

This RFI is intended to understand the market’s ability to support the following areas through a flexible, cost-effective service arrangement. It is not a call for competition, and responses will inform our future procurement approach.

Scope of Services

We are seeking suppliers who can support both development and data-related activities, including but not limited to:

Software Development Services

• Development of business tools and automations (e.g. using Python, JavaScript)
• Business process improvements and systems integration (e.g. via APIs)
• Support and enhancement of existing applications and digital platforms

Data and Reporting Services

• Development of SQL queries and reporting solutions
• Management and structuring of data for self-service access
• Data warehousing, ETL processes, and analytics support
• Use of tools and methods to enable data quality monitoring, smart reporting, and AI/ML-powered insights

Information Requested

Suppliers are invited to provide the following details in response to this RFI:

• Overview of Your Organisation and Relevant Experience:

o Brief introduction to your organisation and relevant experience in delivering both development and data services

• Service Model and Delivery Approach:

o The type of contract models you offer (e.g. ticket-based support, fixed hours per month, annual retainer, etc.)

o Your ability to support a 24-month service contract

o How you typically manage incoming work requests and prioritise delivery

• Service Objectives and Quality:

o What service levels or delivery expectations you typically work to

o An outline of how you usually manage service objectives, turnaround times, and overall quality assurance (rather than full SLAs)

• Pricing Approach:

o Indicative cost structures or typical pricing models for similar arrangements (e.g. monthly fees, bundled hours, on-demand rates)

o An indication of pricing based on the above details.

Response Guidelines

We are looking for a light-touch response at this stage. Please provide a short overview based on the points above, outlining how you typically deliver these services and the structure you would propose for a two-year arrangement.

At this stage, there will be no requirement to interview, we are just looking for a brief proposal based on the requirements set out above.

There is no need to submit full proposals or detailed SLAs at this stage.

Budget

Our budget is around £50,000 Per Year.

Timeline

Please submit your response by 31/07/2025 @ 14:00

Contact and Submission

Responses and clarifications should be submitted via the following link:

in-tendhost.co.uk/cottsway/aspx/LoginHelp ↗.