Award

Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme

DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

10 Dec 2025 at 10:07

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the "Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme" was initiated by the Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority, a sub-central government public authority based in Exeter, United Kingdom. This tender concerns the specialist training services category and covers the South West region. The process has reached the 'Award' stage, with the contract officially signed on 1st August 2025, running until 31st July 2026. The procurement was conducted using a direct method stipulating a "below threshold - without competition" approach, under a light-touch regime. The programme is designed to support the development of operational firefighters through a comprehensive apprenticeship scheme.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in educational and training services, particularly those with experience in apprenticeship programme management. The contract for the delivery of this programme has been awarded to the South West Association of Training Providers Limited (SwatPro), a small to medium enterprise. Other similar businesses can identify potential growth by providing similar services, focusing on wraparound support, financial management, and online learning management. By participating in such programmes, businesses can leverage their expertise to support public service training initiatives, expanding their portfolio and enhancing their reputation within the public sector. This contract highlights the importance of collaboration between suppliers and public authorities in delivering essential training services efficiently.

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Notice Title

Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme

Notice Description

The supplier is required to provide a wraparound service to support the delivery of the Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme. The wraparound services include: * Management and support of on-line learning * Ongoing on-line learning course platform * Services for administration of the Apprenticeship Service (DAS account administration) * Cost of managing data systems needed to process ILR submission (PICS) * On-going development of materials * Manage EPA arrangement and assessments * Managing sub-contract agreements * Financial Management * Funding claims * Audit checks and management * PICs data checking for accuracy and responding to ESFA reporting requirements The supplier shall act as the lead provider, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority acting as a delivery sub-contractor for parts of the apprenticeship programme (including the practical training). Both parties shall work as a partnership to deliver the complete Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme. An initial cohort of 14 wholetime firefighters will utilise this partnership to complete their apprenticeship. Further cohorts are also likely (dependant on recruitment of wholetime Firefighters and plans for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to become an Employer Provider and no longer requiring a wraparound service provider). Becoming an Employer Provider is subject to business case development and approval. The supplier draws down funds from the Apprenticeship Levy. They pay the End Point Assessment Organisation and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for the elements of the apprenticeship that they provide. The supplier retains an agreed amount for the services they provide.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05f27b
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/081338-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Below threshold - without competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80510000 - Specialist training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£45,000 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
10 Dec 20252 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Jul 20256 months ago
Contract Period
31 Jul 2025 - 31 Jul 2026 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEVON & SOMERSET FIRE & RESCUE AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@dsfire.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
EXETER
Postcode
EX3 0NW
Post Town
Exeter
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK43 Devon CC
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
East Devon
Electoral Ward
Clyst Valley
Westminster Constituency
Exmouth and Exeter East

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SOUTH WEST ASSOCIATION OF TRAINING PROVIDERS LIMITED (SWATPRO

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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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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