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Published 17 Nov 2023, 15:34 GMT

Official UK procurement notice

Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework

Official notice

Authority: North of Tyne Combined Authority (Local council)

Framework agreement3 lotsServicesOpen procedureMax 3 lots per supplier
Framework ceiling (notional)£280,000,000total for 3 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 18 Dec 2023
Lots 3max 3 won per supplier
Framework period Ends 31 Jul 2025extension options published

What is being bought3 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

A devolution deal was agreed between ministers and local leaders across the North East in December 2022 to provide the area with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements.

It is anticipated that the devolution deal will result in the creation of a new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.

NEMCA will have the power to make decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, finance, and economic development. Local leaders have worked together to negotiate an offer which matches their ambition to make a difference for residents, communities, and the economy.

The funding for adult skills provides the opportunity to join up the region's skills and training offer, reduce duplication and make sure we are reaching those communities most disadvantaged.

To achieve this, we are launching an Adult Skills Flexible Procurement Framework and inviting a wide range of organisations and providers of skills including futher education colleges, independent training organisations, Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCSE) organisations and other stakeholders, including employer providers, to tender for a place on the Framework.

It is anticipated that, from May 2024, NEMCA will be operational and the successor body to the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). In that event, the current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as a result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024.

It is also currently anticipated that NEMCA will operate any procedure (direct award or mini competition) for award of orders for services during the Term of the Flexible Procurement Agreement and therefore that than any contracts awarded as a result of such procedures will be entered into between the respective successful providers and NEMCA.

This Procurement is issued by North Tyneside Council on behalf of The North of Tyne Combined Authority (referred to in this document as “NTCA”; the “Authority”; and “we”). The current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024.

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CPV: Education and training services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Places
up to 1 suppliers

Lots and requirements (3)Procurement structure

3 lots · all with a published value · win at most 3 of them
Lot #1Devolved Adult EducationRenewalPublished value£16,000,000

The principal purpose of the devolved AEB is to engage adults aged 19+ and provide them with the skills needed for entering and sustaining work, an apprenticeship/traineeship, or other further learning.

It provides funding for programmes of learning up to Level 2 (GCSE level equivalent) and some Level 3 qualifications for individuals aged 19-23. It does not fund all Level 3 learning as this is delivered through Free Courses for Jobs or Advanced Learner Loans, or programmes at Level 4 and above which are also funded through Advanced Learner Loans or Higher Education (HE) funding.

The Minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and Maximum £750,000

Contract period: … – 31 Jul 2025
Delivery: North East
Extensions: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions availableVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #2Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult OfferRenewalPublished value£2,000,000

The Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer is designed to help adults to gain the skills that are sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects and support economic recovery.

Funding in Lot 2 is available for Free Courses for Jobs provision to support adults to gain free fully funded Level 3 qualifications that are part of the national approved adult offer. This offer includes around 400 Level 3 qualifications in 20 different sector subject areas (SSA). Combined Authority officers, in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the region’s growth/recovery sectors for delivery

The minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and maximum is £750,000

Contract period: … – 31 Jul 2025
Delivery: North East
Extensions: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions availableVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #3Skills BootcampsRenewalPublished value£16,700,000

Skills Bootcamps are intensive, Level 3-5 or equivalent flexible training courses up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview (in the case of a new job), which equip adults with technical skills that enable them to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, new opportunities, and an increased level of income over time (including for the self-employed).

Provision in this Lot should be open to residents of the relevant areas aged 19 or over who are full-time or part-time employed, self-employed, unemployed (i.e. not in work), as well as adults returning to work after a break.

Minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and maximum is £750,000

Contract period: … – 31 Jul 2025
Delivery: North East
Extensions: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions availableVariant bids: not allowed

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
What this means for your bid
  • “Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 1 suppliers, not a single contract.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Closed
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
No (one-off requirement)
First published
17 Nov 2023, 15:34 GMT
Last source update
17 Nov 2023, 15:34 GMT
Award evaluation window
18 Dec 2023 – …
Authority reference
DN699812
FTS notice number
2023/S 000-034138
Classification (CPV)
Education and training services
Delivery area
North East (UKC)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-041af2 Find a Tender
Contract terms
Electronic trading
e-invoicing allowed · electronic ordering · electronic payment

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Appointment period ends
18 Dec 2023, 12:00 GMT
Submission channel
{"electronicSubmission"}
Accepted languages
en
Bid validity
90 days from the deadline
Bids opened
18 Dec 2023, 12:00 GMT
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

17 Nov 2023 → 18 Dec 2023 · 3 dates
  1. Notice published
    17 Nov 2023, 15:34 GMT
  2. Admission / appointment period endsperiod end, not a bid countdown
    18 Dec 2023, 12:00 GMT
  3. Bids opened
    18 Dec 2023, 12:00 GMT

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

North of Tyne Combined Authority

Contracting authorityLocal CouncilRegional or local authorityEducation The Lumen St James Boulevard, Newcastle, North East, NE4 5BZContact name, email, phone Published organisation website ↗

Dispute resolution & review bodies

  • Royal Courts of JusticeReview body London

Official documents & specifications

Official links; attachments are not copied

No document links were published on the notice.