Procurement description
The Contracting Authority is conducting this procurement under the Procurement Act 2023, following an open tender procedure in accordance with the Light Touch Regime and the publication of the relevant Find a Tender Service (FTS) notice.
The objective is to establish an Open Framework of Training Service Providers from which the Contracting Authority may enter into individual call-off agreements, either through further competition or direct award, as required to support the delivery of its adult skills and education priorities across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool.
The Contracting Authority initially intends to establish three main lots under the Framework, divided into sub-lots as follows:
Lot 1A Skills for Life
Lot 1B Skills for Growth
Lot 2A Health, Public Services and Care
Lot 2B Engineering and Manufacturing
Lot 2C Construction and the Built Environment
Lot 2D Digital Technology
Lot 2E Transport & Logistics
Lot 2F Creative and Design
Lot 2G Sales, Marketing and Procurement
Lot 2H Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
Lot 2I Other
Lot 3 Future Funding Training & Skills Provision
There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation.
Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted.
In addition to the Contracting Authority, the Framework will also be available for use by each of the Constituent Authorities; Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Borough Council, and Lancashire County Council, should they have individual requirements that fall within the scope of this Framework.
A full description of the Contracting Authority's requirements is set out in the Service Specifications for each Lot, which can be found in the tender document appendices B1, B2, and B3.
Providers should note that a place on the Framework does not guarantee the award of any contract for service. Framework contract value is an estimate and may be subject to revision throughout the duration of the contract, subject to compliance with procurement legislation. All timescales provided within the notice are indicative and may be subject to change. Please refer to UK04 notice for a description of risks regarding changes that may be required as a result of Local Government Reform.