Skills for Growth Open Light Touch Framework

Procurement reference

CP2753-25

Procurement description

Devon County Council (DCC) intends to establish an Open Framework for commissioning the delivery of high-quality skills provision services.

The Framework will support the delivery of programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), Skills Bootcamps, and other future skills initiatives aligned with local and national workforce needs. The Framework will be divided into Lots based on the different programme types.

The purpose of the Framework is to enable flexible and responsive skills provision that supports adults to develop the skills needed for sustainable employment and career progression, while also meeting employer demand and contributing to economic growth.

DCC may initiate Call-Offs from both Lot 1 - ASF and FCFJ and Lot 2 Skills Bootcamps for Wave 7 Skills Bootcamp following the appointment of Providers to the Framework.

DCC anticipates holding a Tender Launch Event via Microsoft Teams, shortly after the Invitation to Tender(ITT) is published. Details and access instructions will be included in the ITT documentation once published.

This notice is not a call for competition. Its purpose is solely to inform the market of the upcoming opportunity. The publication of this notice does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Authority to undertake any procurement exercise.

Full and final details regarding this opportunity will be provided in the Tender Notice and ITT once published.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

GBP to 35000000GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

09 July 2026, 00:00AM to 08 July 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 08 July 2031

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Is this an open framework scheme?

Yes

Devon County Council

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Open framework scheme end date (estimated)

08 July 2031, 23:59PM

Award method when using the framework

With and without reopening competition

Contracting authorities that may use the framework

The Devon and Torbay Combined Authority and Torbay Council.

Description

ASF is a core funding stream provided by the Department for Working Pensions (DWP), designed to support adult learners, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, in gaining essential skills and qualifications that are up to Level 2, with some Level 3 qualifications for those aged 19 - 23, to improve employability, career progression, and participation in the workforce. This includes GCSEs, awards, certificates, and diplomas in vocational and technical subjects, and qualifications in English, Maths, and Digital.

FCFJ are targeted Level 3 qualifications, to support adults, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, who meet the definition of unemployed or below the earnings threshold, to develop new skills to improve their prospects in the labour market. In accordance with Department for Education (DfE) and DWP funding rules, providers must have ASF provision to be eligible to deliver FCFJ provision.

CPV classifications

• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80400000 - Adult and other education services
• 80500000 - Training services
• 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Lot value (estimated)

75000000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

09 July 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

08 July 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

08 July 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

There is an option to extend for a further 2 years.

Award criteria

Description

Skills Bootcamps funded by DWP ,are short, intensive training courses (typically 8-16 weeks) focused on priority sectors and technical skills. They are employer-led, designed to fill immediate skills gaps, and must include guaranteed job interviews for participants or increased contracts for self-employed learners.

CPV classifications

• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80400000 - Adult and other education services
• 80500000 - Training services
• 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Lot value (estimated)

35000000 GBP Excluding VAT

35000000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

09 July 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

08 July 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

08 July 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

There is an option to extend for a further 2 years.

Award criteria

Description

To ensure long-term flexibility and responsiveness, the framework will also be available for commissioning provision for any new future skills projects in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.

CPV classifications

• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80400000 - Adult and other education services
• 80500000 - Training services
• 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services

Delivery regions

• UKK4 - Devon

Lot value (estimated)

10000000 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

09 July 2026, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

08 July 2029, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

08 July 2031, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

There is an option to extend for a further 2 years.

Award criteria

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

09 March 2026

Tender submission deadline

08 April 2026, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

27 March 2026, 12:00PM

Date of award of contract

26 June 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

Tenders must be submitted via https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Languages that may be used for submission

• English