Prj_6324 - East Midlands digital and technology skills programme

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

08 May 2026 at 14:09

Award

24 Apr 2026 at 09:12

Tender

02 Jan 2026 at 13:30

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process for the East Midlands digital and technology skills programme was undertaken by the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology. The programme, titled "Prj_6324 - East Midlands digital and technology skills programme," falls under the industry category of information technology services. Its focus is on delivering technology and digital skills through the TechFirst youth initiative. The tender was executed using an open procedure and has progressed to the award stage with a contract actively signed on 1st May 2026, covering the period from 6th May 2026 to 31st March 2029. Located primarily in the East Midlands, the tender aligns with a strategic government initiative aimed at enhancing technology skills across the UK.

There are significant business opportunities available for companies specialising in digital and STEM skill delivery to engage in this programme. The successful tenderer, IN4 Group, is an SME based in Salford, demonstrating that smaller enterprises with precise expertise in technology education and training have substantial potential in such government projects. Businesses that can forge partnerships with local industry and academia and focus on outreach to underrepresented groups will find this procurement process highly beneficial for growth. By participating as regional delivery partners, businesses can contribute to and capitalise on the burgeoning demand for a digitally skilled workforce, thereby expanding their operations and influence within the tech education sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Prj_6324 - East Midlands digital and technology skills programme

Notice Description

DSIT is seeking a Regional Delivery Partner who will be responsible for ensuring successful on-the-ground delivery of the TechFirst youth programme in the East Midlands. TechFirst is the Government's flagship digital and technology skills programme, created to remove skills as a barrier to growth in the sector. The sector relies on specialist digital and STEM skills, but there is a clear gap between demand and supply. This programme aims to build the sustainability and diversity of the tech talent pipeline, creating the foundations for long-term growth in one of the Government's 8 growth-driving sectors. The youth strand of TechFirst, TechYouth, aims to reach 1 million students in schools and colleges across the UK with opportunities to develop their digital skills, gain confidence with AI and insight into a range of potential tech careers. Regional delivery partners will support the programme at a local level, delivering skills building activities and career inspiration days for schools and colleges in the area. They will work in partnership with local industry and academia to achieve this. With the support of Regional Delivery Partners, the TechYouth programme should spark young people's interest in technology and encourage more to pursue digital and computing qualifications at age 14 and 16, both academic and vocational. It will particularly encourage uptake from currently underrepresented groups, including girls and those from socioeconomic disadvantage. These students will form the pipeline of future technology researchers and professionals needed for the sector to achieve its potential growth.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05fec1
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/042617-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK7 - Contract Details Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support


CPV Codes

72222300 - Information technology services

72590000 - Computer-related professional services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,568,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£1,568,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
£1,564,600 £1M-£10M
Contracts Value
£1,564,600 £1M-£10M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
8 May 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
19 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Mar 20263 months ago
Contract Period
5 May 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1A 2EG
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

IN4 GROUP

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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