Invitation to Tender - User Needs Consultant

We're looking for an experienced user needs consultant for a three-year research project to inform the development of a new Heritage Science Data Service.

The National Heritage Science Forum (NHSF) invites tenders from experienced user needs consultants to undertake research to inform the development of a new Heritage Science Data Service (HSDS) as part of the broader RICHeS (Research Infrastructure for Conservation and Heritage Science) programme.

The research will take place in phases over three years from November 2024 to February 2027, with the goal of establishing a knowledge baseline, identifying and segmenting potential users, gathering insights on user requirements and preferences, testing user experience, and informing the design and development of the HSDS including general requirements for functionality and ease of use of the service, as well as developmental aspects such as how the community could benefit from high performance computing facilities and Virtual Research Environments.

The consultant will use a combination of surveys and focus groups to capture both quantitative and qualitative user data across multiple user segments, including researchers, heritage professionals, data managers, and others. The research will be conducted in annual cycles, with regular reviews and opportunities to adapt the plan based on emerging needs.

Key deliverables include user journey mapping, annual user needs reports, and ongoing collaboration with the HSDS consortium to ensure the research effectively informs the development of the service. The successful consultant will demonstrate expertise in user needs research, experience in heritage science or related fields, and strong analytical and report-writing skills.

For further information, please see the document: Invitation to Tender for a User Needs Consultant (pdf)

 

Form of tender submissions

Tenderers are asked to submit:

  • A summary of their experience and why they are suitable to carry out the research
  • A project design which expands on the information in Annex A of the Invitation to Tender and proposes an innovative methodology that can effectively capture the evolving needs of the HSDS user community over the period November 2024 to February 2027.
  • A task list that addresses the activities and outputs listed in Annex A of the Invitation to Tender, identifies who would carry out the tasks and the number of days per person allocated to each task.
  • A budget.
  • A risk log.
  • A Gantt chart and/or timetable for each year’s activities.
  • Names and contact details (email address) of two referees for whom work has been carried out in the last three years.
  • Confirmation of availability to start work on this project in the week starting 25th November 2024.

Selection process

Applications to be submitted by email to administrator@heritagescienceforum.org.uk by noon on 20th November 2024.

Online interviews: 22nd November 2024.

Budget

The total budget for this work is £50,490 inclusive of expenses and VAT, broken down over the three years of the project as follows:

  • Year 1 (November 2024-August 2025): £21,000 (estimate 35 days)
  • Year 2 (September 2025-August 2026): £18,270 (estimate 29 days)
  • Year 3 (September 2026-February 2027): £11,220 (estimate 17 days)