Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework

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. https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=7e390873-5485-ee11-8125-005056b64545&p=1c9e782c-541e-e611-8114-000c29c9ba21