Kent test 2016

[Moderators]

One of our members has sent in the following:

• • The test for 2016 went out to tender in June 2015. The reference number is Kent-9WRD-ZG6ROH
    
    The estimated contract start date is 1st September 2015 which should mean that it is possible to find out fairly soon which test provider was awarded the contract.

[salsa]

Thanks so much. Any idea as to how we see who's applied?
https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/p ... plier_home" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[mystery]

I don't know. This website gives the impression that the only contenders are gl and cem .... But maybe for £250 k per annum someone on this website might give it a whirl. Patricia perhaps?!

The portal is very mysterious. Last time one could see the tender documents. This time they are invisible. It is a public procurement so I suppose you must be able to ask for anything that does not include commercially sensitive pricing info.

[salsa]

Does anybody know where we go to find out the outcome? The contract starts on 1st September, so it must have awarded.

[mystery]

I guess it should go on the portal when it is awarded? Maybe e-mail Kent admissions if it's not clear what's happening? Or FOI request?

[salsa]

I have emailed Admissions so I'll give it a few days to see if they answer.

[mystery]

I have just looked back at an old thread to check when the 2014 test was awarded to gl assessment. It was in late October 2013. Maybe it will end up being that late again?

[salsa]

Well, I would have thought earlier as the contract starts on 1st September, wouldn't you think?

[mystery]

Yes, but they are all estimated dates. Last time round it was much later than originally estimated. If it's this late it sort of suggests that it won't be anything too novel from either c e m or gl assessment.

[salsa]

I see. Well, I'm hoping it's not CEM with their insane timings. We are doing some Bond online CEM and, apart from NVR, my son is finding it difficult. At least in English I find this material requires the child to be very well informed about the world. Maybe the level is too high, but Bond answered that it was suitable from age 9. It's much more difficult than their non CEM 9-10.