YPO - Training Solutions · UK public procurement notice

Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) – 1175 Training Solutions Framework

YPO is undertaking prior market engagement with suppliers and customers across the training services market to better understand market dynamics, customer requirements, and the value that a national training framework can deliver to the public sector. This engagement will also inform YPO’s review of its current training arrangements, including the 999 Training DPS, and support the development of a future training solution that is better aligned to evolving customer needs.

The initial stage of engagement will be conducted via a questionnaire, through which YPO is seeking feedback on training delivery models, market challenges, pricing approaches, innovation within the sector, digital training solutions, social value opportunities, and anticipated future market trends. The feedback received will help shape the scope, structure, and key features of any future training framework, ensuring it is accessible, flexible, and reflective of how training is procured and delivered in practice across the public sector.

You do not need procurement expertise to complete this survey. Please respond based on your organisation’s training services, capabilities, and experience.

Definitions (Used Throughout PME)

Methods of Awarding Explained

• Direct Award (PCR15) / Award without Competition (PA23)

Selecting a suitable supplier without running a competitive process, where this is appropriate and permitted under the framework or DPS rules. Under PA23, this is the new terminology for what was previously called a Direct Award under PCR15.

• Further Competition (PCR15) / Competitive Selection Process (PA23)

Running a competitive process between multiple suppliers on a framework or DPS to identify the best value solution.

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015)

The previous UK procurement regime governing public sector procurement. It provides fixed procedures (open, restricted, DPS), emphasises equal treatment, and frameworks are largely static once awarded. DPSs under PCR15 remain dynamic while open. Many existing frameworks and DPS (including legacy arrangements) still operate under PCR 2015 until they expire.

Procurement Act 2023 (PA23)

The new UK procurement regime for new procurements, introducing greater flexibility, fewer prescribed procedures, and new tools such as open frameworks and competitive flexible procedures. PA23 allows public bodies to design proportionate, outcome-focused procurements while meeting transparency and fairness requirements.

Please register your interest and access the questionnaire using the link below:

• Customer Questionnaire Request – 1175 Training Solutions PME [CLICK HERE: forms.office.com/e/hAFkxHdvys ↗]
• Supplier Questionnaire Request – 1175 Training Solutions PME [forms.office.com/e/SrXWsafiWL ↗]

If you experience any issues accessing the questionnaire, please contact [email protected] and request a downloadable digital copy for completion. Please ensure your email subject clearly states which of the following you wish to provide feedback on:

• ‘PME 1175 – Training Solutions Framework – Supplier Questionnaire Request’
• ‘PME 1175 – Training Solutions Framework – Customer Questionnaire Request’

This survey will help YPO understand when each route is most appropriate, and how suppliers deliver training across different categories and customer needs.

Supporting Documents and Participation

There is no word limit for this PME, and YPO welcomes your full input and expertise. Please ensure your response is provided in the format set out within the questionnaire. There is no requirement to submit additional supporting documentation as part of this PME; however, if you wish to provide supplementary information, this should be sent separately to [email protected]. Suppliers are encouraged to provide detailed, informative responses to help YPO fully understand their offer and expertise.

Further Engagement

Following review of questionnaire responses, YPO may, at its sole discretion, undertake further engagement to explore responses in more detail. This may include additional or follow-up questions issued to all respondents or to specific groups, for example in relation to particular training specialisms, delivery models, or points raised in responses. YPO reserves the right not to undertake any further engagement and is under no obligation to progress beyond this stage. Participation in this questionnaire, or any subsequent engagement, does not constitute a commitment by YPO to commence a procurement, award a contract, or invite participation in any future procurement process.

Transparency and Legal Position

This PME is voluntary and is being conducted solely to inform YPO’s development of a new training solution framework. It does not constitute an invitation to tender, a contract, or any form of offer capable of acceptance. Nothing in this PME, or any responses received, imposes any obligation on YPO to proceed with a subsequent competitive process, framework agreement, or contract, nor does it create any entitlement to business, compensation, reimbursement of costs, or loss-of-earnings for participants. Should YPO proceed to a formal procurement, it will be undertaken in accordance with YPO’s Contract Procedure Rules and applicable public procurement law, including the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch Regime where appropriate. All information gathered during this PME is being sought without prejudice or commitment and will not result in any contract award or guarantee of business.

Following the PME stage, YPO currently intends to advertise this opportunity via Find a Tender Service (FTS) in May 2026, with an anticipated contract commencement date November 2026. Please note these timescales are indicative and may be subject to change.