Award

Re-opening of the South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement (FFA)

SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

07 Oct 2025 at 10:30

Tender

01 May 2025 at 07:33

Summary of the contracting process

The South Ayrshire Council has completed the process to re-open the South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement (FFA). This procurement process focused on training programme services under the CPV code 80521000 and was structured as a re-opening of an existing framework. It aimed to supplement the agreement with new, qualified service providers in the region identified as UKM94. This contract was awarded on 1st September 2025, following an open procurement procedure. It aligns with the 'Social and Other Specific Services' category under Scotland's Public Contracts Regulations 2015, adopting a flexible 'Light Touch Regime' approach.

This tender represents a significant business opportunity for training providers and third-sector organisations looking to expand their service delivery in South Ayrshire. With the inclusion of new entrants into the framework, it provides a promising avenue for both SMEs and established providers focusing on person-centred training programmes that promote employability. Organisations with expertise in delivering holistic training solutions and those capable of engaging diverse candidate populations stand to benefit significantly. The framework is designed to enable new suppliers to enter and offer their services, fostering competition and innovation in the regional training market.

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Notice Title

Re-opening of the South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement (FFA)

Notice Description

South Ayrshire Council are re-opening the South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement (FFA) and are seeking submissions from suitably qualified and experienced training providers, the third sector and other organisations to supplement its existing Flexible Framework Agreement to deliver all-age, person-centred programme of support to those looking to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to progress to meaningful, sustainable employment. The previously advertised Flexible Framework Agreement, which commenced on 26th November 2025, allows for re-opening to new Service Providers / Training Providers. The scope of the Flexible Framework falls within the 'Social and Other Specific Services' category and is subject to the procurement regimes set out under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. As such, this "Light Touch Regime" allows a flexible approach which will permit New Entrants to submit tender offers for inclusion of Services on the FFA. In accordance with its terms, the FFA is now being re-opened for New Entrants to be admitted under the same requirements as the original tender exercise and as noted herein. If you are a Service Provider / Training Provider who is already appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement, you are NOT required to resubmit to remain on the FFA.

Lot Information

Lot 1

South Ayrshire Council are re-opening the South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement (FFA) and are seeking submissions from suitably qualified and experienced training providers, the third sector and other organisations to supplement its existing Flexible Framework Agreement to deliver all-age, person-centred programme of support to those looking to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to progress to meaningful, sustainable employment. The previously advertised Flexible Framework Agreement, which commenced on 26th November 2025, allows for re-opening to new Service Providers / Training Providers. The scope of the Flexible Framework falls within the 'Social and Other Specific Services' category and is subject to the procurement regimes set out under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. As such, this "Light Touch Regime" allows a flexible approach which will permit New Entrants to submit tender offers for inclusion of Services on the FFA. In accordance with its terms, the FFA is now being re-opened for New Entrants to be admitted under the same requirements as the original tender exercise and as noted herein. If you are a Service Provider / Training Provider who is already appointed to the Flexible Framework Agreement, you are NOT required to resubmit to remain on the FFA.

Renewal: Yes - further notices for any future generation of this Flexible Framework Agreement are expected to be published circa September 2027.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050ae1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/062804-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

80500000 - Training services

80521000 - Training programme services

80570000 - Personal development training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£280,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
7 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
6 Jun 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Aug 20255 months ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Yes – further notices for any future generation of this Flexible Framework Agreement are expected to be published circa September 2027.

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOUTH AYRSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@south-ayrshire.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 3001230900

Buyer Location

Locality
AYR
Postcode
KA7 1DR
Post Town
Kilmarnock
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM9 Southern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM94 South Ayrshire
Delivery Location
TLM94 South Ayrshire

Local Authority
South Ayrshire
Electoral Ward
Ayr West
Westminster Constituency
Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
6
Supplier Names

AYRSHIRE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY

CEIS AYRSHIRE

HSC FUTURES

IMPACT ARTS

KO-NEKT (CHILDCARE

VERG

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