Tendering process launched for new EQA provider

Tendering process launched for organisation to provide external quality assurance (EQA) for apprenticeship assessments on behalf of the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

Closing date for tendering process is 26 February

The Institute has launched a tender for organisations to provide quality assurance for apprenticeships assessments on our behalf.

Open Awards has held the contract to deliver this EQA service since August 2017. A public tender has now been launched inviting bids from organisations that could take this on until 2021.

 A spokesperson for the Institute said:

“We have begun the process for procuring a supplier to deliver a high-quality EQA service on behalf of the Institute from April 2019.  This will ensure continuity of quality assurance provision for apprentices and employers.”

The estimated contract dates would be from 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2021.

The closing dates for bids to be submitted is 26 February.

External Quality Assurance ensures that assessment of apprentices is being delivered effectively and consistently and is fit for purpose. 

Trailblazers – employers who collectively propose a new apprenticeship standard – select one of four options to deliver EQA for that standard: an employer-led group, a professional body, Ofqual, or the Institute for Apprenticeships.