Validation of the Violent Extremism Risk Assessment VERA-2R Tool in the Australian and New Zealand Context

The Department is seeking a research provider with expertise in violent extremism, risk assessment and validation assessment tools, applicable to the Australian and New Zealand context, to conduct an independent and comprehensive validation of the VERA-2R tool. Potential suppliers may apply as a consortium to satisfy the requirements. This validation requires the research provider or consortium to undertake the following:

A comprehensive validation of the VERA-2R which, as a minimum, must address:

a. face validity

b. construct validity

c. interrater reliability

d. process evaluation

The successful provider must:

a. Hold formal academic qualifications at a postgraduate level in a relevant field of study

b. Have published academic literature in one or more of the following fields: violent extremism, risk assessment, assessment tool validation

c. Describe the methodology intended for use in measuring face and construct validity of the VERA-2R

d. Describe the methodology intended for use in measuring the interrater reliability of the VERA-2R, including the number of people who will be involved in administering the VERA- 2R and the number of cases they will assess

e. Describe both the type and number of cases in the data sets to be used, and the methodology used to establish these data sets, both if existing sets are to be used, or need to be established as part of the project.

f. Advise how they intend to identify and interview relevant expert practitioners, academics and VERA-2R trained professionals in the Australian and New Zealand context. In doing so, the provider must engage with relevant Australian Government bodies and experts.

The Potential Supplier must develop a project plan (or methodology) clearly detailing: the project scope; key milestones and timeframes; resource needs; budget outline; risk plan and treatments; stakeholder consultation and communication plan; quality and assurance protocols; and a project evaluation plan.

In conducting the validation, the successful provider will reference and engage with relevant academic literature concerning the VERA-2R, and consider current best practice for violent extremism risk assessment in criminology and related fields.