Extension of existing Dynamic Purchasing System of Suffolk Adult and Community Learning Services

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

15 May 2026 at 06:49

Tender

12 Feb 2025 at 12:56

Summary of the contracting process

Suffolk County Council, operating from Ipswich, is inviting applications for the extension of its existing Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Adult and Community Learning Services. This procurement process falls under the services category, specifically targeting the adult education sector, and is being conducted through a restricted procedure. The current procurement stage is a tender update, with the key amendment being an extension of the DPS until 23 February 2029. Potential bidders should take note that the total estimated value excluding VAT is now set at £8,690,000. The opportunity is open for electronic and written submissions, ensuring compliance with the Department for Education's Adult Skills Fund regulations for learners aged 19 and over. The DPS allows for an unlimited number of suppliers to join, with new entrants welcomed over its duration.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses involved in adult education services, as it ensures a continuous stream of contracts funded by the Department for Education. SMEs and established education service providers alike can benefit from joining this DPS, with the flexibility to deliver learning services tailored to the local community's needs. The open nature of the DPS, alongside its substantial budget, positions it as a strategic opportunity for businesses aiming to expand their service offerings and establish a footprint within Suffolk's educational landscape. Compliance with the specified regulations and ability to meet contractual terms will be essential for continued participation. The procurement is guided by considerations under the Procurement Act 2023, reinforcing the alignment with broader national procurement strategies.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Extension of existing Dynamic Purchasing System of Suffolk Adult and Community Learning Services

Notice Description

Suffolk County Council are inviting applicants to join a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for the provision of Adult and Community Learning Services. Contracts will be for the delivery of learning against the funding the Council receives from the Department for Education (DFE) for the Adult Skills Fund (ASF) for learners aged 19 years and over. Delivery must meet the regulations outlined in the DFE Funding Rules: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-skills-fund-funding-rules-for-2024-to-2025/adult-skills-fund-funding-rules-2024-to-2025 We reserve the right to award places within this DPS to an unlimited number of suppliers. New applicants can join the DPS during the course of the duration. Please note should performance not be compliant with the DPS Tender Terms and Conditions, applicants may be removed from the DPS.

Lot Information

Adult and Community Learning

Please see short description above. Additional information: This DPS has been extended for a further 24 months to 31 March 2027. The duration given in II.2.7) is the duration of the extension period. The extension will allow Suffolk County Council and potential bidders time to plan a suitable replacement under the Procurement Act 2023 that also takes into consideration the objectives of the National Procurement Policy Statement. We reserve the right to extend, shorten or terminate, in part or whole, any Lot or the entire DPS at any time giving 6 months' notice.

Renewal: The DPS will remain open until 31 March 2027.

Skills Development

Please see short description above. Additional information: This DPS has been extended for a further 24 months to 31 March 2027. The duration given in II.2.7) is the duration of the extension period. The extension will allow Suffolk County Council and potential bidders time to plan a suitable replacement under the Procurement Act 2023 that also takes into consideration the objectives of the National Procurement Policy Statement. We reserve the right to extend, shorten or terminate, in part or whole, any Lot or the entire DPS at any time giving 6 months' notice.

Renewal: The DPS will remain open until 31 March 2027

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04de1a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044726-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Dynamic
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Restricted procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80400000 - Adult and other education services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£7,290,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£7,290,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
31 Mar 202710 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
IPSWICH
Postcode
IP1 2BX
Post Town
Ipswich
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH62 Ipswich
Delivery Location
TLH14 Suffolk CC

Local Authority
Ipswich
Electoral Ward
Gipping
Westminster Constituency
Ipswich

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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