Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Cumberland Council
Cumbria House, 107 - 117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
UK
Contact person: Mrs Corrina McCleary Hill
Telephone: +44 1228221039
E-mail: corrina.mccleary-hill@cumberland.gov.uk
NUTS: UKD1
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert/Index?advertId=ab028ecc-6d6e-ee11-8124-005056b64545
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert/Index?advertId=ab028ecc-6d6e-ee11-8124-005056b64545
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Early Education and Childcare Flexible Framework
Reference number: DN695535
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85312110
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
THIS IS NOT A NEW CONTRACT NOTICE - THIS IS INFORMATION FOLLOWING LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
Local authorities have a legislative duty to secure free childcare places for eligible two, three and four year olds. Every child is eligible for up to 570 hours (1140 for families eligible for 30 hours free childcare per academic year over no fewer than 38 weeks and up to 52 weeks of the year.
Local Authorities have a duty to ensure that each child is able to access their free entitlement no later than the beginning of the term following the meeting of the eligibility criteria.
On 01 April 2023, Cumbria County Council ceased to exist and is replaced by two new unitary authorities; Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The current countywide framework for Early Education and Childcare was due to end on 31st August 2023 and has been extended for a further 24 months until the 31st August 2025 permitted as advertised in the original notice. This notice seeks to inform the replacement of Cumbria County Council to two new authorities. From this time, each new council will manage the addition of new providers on to their framework.
Existing providers already on the framework do not need to re-apply to this framework. New providers can access the framework at www.the-chest.gov.uk or by contacting free.entitlement@cumberland.gov.uk
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85312110
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKD1
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
THIS IS NOT A NEW CONTRACT NOTICE - THIS IS INFORMATION FOLLOWING LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION
Local authorities have a legislative duty to secure free childcare places for eligible two, three and four year olds. Every child is eligible for up to 570 hours (1140 for families eligible for 30 hours free childcare per academic year over no fewer than 38 weeks and up to 52 weeks of the year.
Local Authorities have a duty to ensure that each child is able to access their free entitlement no later than the beginning of the term following the meeting of the eligibility criteria.
On 01 April 2023, Cumbria County Council ceased to exist and is replaced by two new unitary authorities; Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council. The current countywide framework for Early Education and Childcare was due to end on 31st August 2023 and has been extended for a further 24 months until the 31st August 2025 permitted as advertised in the original notice. This notice seeks to inform the replacement of Cumbria County Council to two new authorities. From this time, each new council will manage the addition of new providers on to their framework.
Existing providers already on the framework do not need to re-apply to this framework. New providers can access the framework at www.the-chest.gov.uk or by contacting free.entitlement@cumberland.gov.uk
II.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
End:
31/08/2025
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals:
The Framework commenced on the 1st September 2018 with an optional extension of up to 60 months (5 years plus optional 5 years). Two years of the optional extension have been applied until 31/08/2025.
II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted:
No
II.2.11) Information about options
Options:
Yes
Description of options:
The Framework commenced on the 1st September 2018 with an optional extension of up to 60 months (5 years plus optional 5 years). Two years of the optional extension have been applied until 31/08/2025.
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement with several operators.
Justification for any framework agreement duration exceeding 4 years: Open procedure using the light touch regime as per public contract regulations 2015.
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
No
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:
2018/S 221-006085
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
04/03/2024
Local time: 12:00
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
EN
IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date:
04/03/2024
Local time: 12:00
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
His Majesty's Court Service
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
UK
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
08/02/2024