Skills for Growth Light Touch Open Framework

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    "date": "2026-03-13T15:49:58Z",
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                "description": "Pipeline notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/083212-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-12-16T10:42:17Z",
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        "milestones": [
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                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "To inform the service provision approach Devon County Council will be undertaking a questionnaire for prospective bidders. The questionnaire will be supported by a Virtual event via Microsoft Teams event on 13th January 2026 at 10 am where further discussion on the Authorities requirement will be discussed. The submission deadline for the questionnaire is 12 noon 20th January 2026. We want to hear from suppliers, draw on your expertise, and encourage ideas, innovation, and alternative approaches to ensure the specification, tender process, and final contract are effective and attractive. The opportunity (questionnaire and link to join the virtual event) can be accessed on the SupplyingtheSouthwest portal using the following link. https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=570c7e8a-a6d9-f011-813c-005056b64545&fromRfxSummary=True&rfxId=5153a377-b0d9-f011-813c-005056b64545 Click on the link and then you can express an interest in this opportunity by clicking the green button \"Login and register interest in this opportunity\". Once you have expressed an interest the system will automatically allow you access to the project documentation that will be stored within \"My Activities\" in your account on the system. The Authority will make available all relevant information from this event and questionnaire as part of the publication of the ITT.",
                "dueDate": "2026-01-20T23:59:59Z",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
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    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PJRC-4623-RJBH",
            "name": "Devon County Council",
            "identifier": {
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                "id": "PJRC-4623-RJBH"
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            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "ejovwoke.barovbe@devon.gov.uk",
                "name": "Ejovwoke Barovbe"
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        "name": "Devon County Council"
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    "tender": {
        "id": "CP2753-25",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Skills for Growth Light Touch Open Framework",
        "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 is divided into Lots based on the different programme types. They are: * Lot 1 - Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) * Lot 2 - Skills Bootcamps * Lot 3 - Future Skills Projects The Framework includes a single common set of sectors and geographical areas which applies across all 3 Lots. 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. Any contract value published within this notice are estimated total contract values provided strictly for information only and are subject to confirmation of funding. Value may be revised up or down. There is no guarantee of business or award of call-off contract. DCC will be hosting a virtual Tender Launch Event via Microsoft Teams on Wednesday, 18th March 2026, from 1:00pm to 2:30pm. This event will provide an opportunity to outline the service requirements to bidders, allow bidders to ask questions, and support navigation of the tender documents and procurement process. Full details and access instructions for the event can be found in Section 1.29 of the Invitation to Tender documentation.",
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                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
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                "title": "Adult Skills Fund(ASF) and Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ)",
                "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.",
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                    "description": "There is an option to extend the Open Framework for a further 2 years. The Open Framework including all schemes established under it is expected to operate for up to 5 years."
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            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Skills Bootcamp",
                "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.",
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                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-07-12T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There is an option to extend the Open Framework for a further 2 years. The Open Framework including all schemes established under it is expected to operate for up to 5 years."
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            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "title": "Future Skills Projects",
                "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.",
                "status": "active",
                "value": {
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                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
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                    "maxExtentDate": "2031-07-12T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "There is an option to extend the Open Framework for a further 2 years. The Open Framework including all schemes established under it is expected to operate for up to 5 years."
                }
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-03-09T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "status": "active",
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 120000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "isOpenFrameworkScheme": true,
                "method": "withReopeningCompetition",
                "type": "open",
                "buyerCategories": "Devon County Council The Devon and Torbay Combined Authority and Torbay Council. Torbay Council Plymouth City Council",
                "openFrameworkSchemeEndDate": "2031-07-12T23:59:59+01:00",
                "description": "Each time a Framework is reopened for Bids, it will be known as an Entry Point. The Framework entered into after each Entry Point will be known by the successive Framework number . For example, the initial Framework linked to Entry Point 1 will be known as Framework One, the subsequent Framework linked to Entry Point 2 will be known as Framework Two and so on. Any processes for the award of a Call-Off contract under the expired framework that have already commenced can continue following expiry of that Framework. After this Entry Point, It is anticipated that there will be One (1) Entry Point in each year for the duration of the Open Framework. However, this timeline is indicative only and the Authority reserves the right, at its sole discretion to: - reopen the Framework more frequently than annually; - not reopen the Framework in any given year A Tender Notice will be published on the Platform each time the Framework is reopened. The Authority also reserves the right to re-open the framework: - for specific Lots, sectors and geographical areas only. - if it needs to include further Sectors; or - if the Framework is transferred to another entity due to Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) or devolved funding. Framework one will operate from the Framework Commencement Date until it is replaced by a Subsequent Framework which shall be within a maximum period of three (3) years. Existing Providers who were previously appointed onto one or more Lot(s), Sector(s) and geographical area(s) of the Open Framework will automatically be appointed onto the subsequent Framework(s) and will not need to take any action in response to the reopening of the Framework unless: - they choose to submit a new Bid in response to an Entry Point, or - they request in writing that the Authority does not appoint them onto one or more Lot(s),Sector(s), geographical area(s) or learner volume range of the new Framework following the reopening of an Entry Point. Where the Authority reopens the Framework in respect of specific Lot(s),sector(s) and geographical area(s) only, existing providers shall not be required to submit a new bid response. Instead, they may only request to be included in the additional Lots, sectors or geographical areas. Bidders who are successful in a bid will be appointed onto the open framework by entering into a Framework Contract. Call-Off under the Framework will be via Further competition only. The Further Competition procedure will include all Framework Providers within the appropriate Lot, Sector, geographical area and Volume range who will be afforded the opportunity to tender for the work. A full explanation of the Call-Off Procure can be found within the Framework Document. Note that the Authority cannot give any guarantee of business or of the actual value of any Contracts awarded under the Framework. Pricing for each Call-Off Contract will be determined at Call-Off stage in accordance with: * The Authority's set price or defined price bands at Call-Off; or * Published government funding rate or grant rules(where applicable) The Authority reserves the right to introduce price competition at Further Competition Call-Off stage to ensure value for money."
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        },
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "084063-2025",
                "description": "Link to the opportunity has been replaced with a more direct link."
            },
            {
                "id": "084070-2025",
                "description": "The submission deadline year has been updated to 2026 in the Engagement Process Description section"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "Submissions must be made via the Supplying the South West tendering portal. https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/ Further information regarding submissions can be viewed in Section 5 (Submission Instructions) of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document",
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            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
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            "endDate": "2026-04-13T12:00:00+01:00"
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        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-30T12:00:00+01:00"
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        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-06-30T23:59:59+01:00"
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        "documents": [
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                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
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            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "The tender documents associated with this procurement are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at the Authority's e-tendering portal(Procontract). Link shown above. Direct link to the Competition Advert on the Authority's e-tendering portal (Procontract) - https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=763c93f6-8819-f111-813c-005056b64545&fromRfxSummary=True&rfxId=0b528565-8a19-f111-813c-005056b64545 Click on the Competition Advert link and then you can express an interest in this opportunity by clicking the green button \"Login and register interest in this opportunity\". Once you have expressed an interest the system will automatically allow you access to the project documentation that will be stored within \"My Activities\" in your account on the system.",
                "url": "http://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk"
            },
            {
                "id": "023151-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/023151-2026",
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