Prj_6326- South East digital and technology skills programme

DEPARTMENT FOR SCIENCE, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

24 Jun 2026 at 09:03

Award

29 Apr 2026 at 15:20

Tender

02 Jan 2026 at 13:44

Summary of the contracting process

The Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) has successfully awarded a contract for the "South East Digital and Technology Skills Programme" under the TechFirst youth initiative. This programme aims to enhance digital skills among the youth in the South East region of the United Kingdom to address the skill shortages in the tech sector. The procurement process, conducted through an open procedure, was initiated to identify a suitable Regional Delivery Partner to implement the programme's goals by the start of its contract on 22nd May 2026, which runs until 31st March 2029. STEM Learning, an SME based in York, was awarded this contract to carry out necessary services under this initiative. The total contract value is estimated at £1,574,600 GBP with a focus on the education and collaboration of local academia and the industry.

This procurement is a significant opportunity for businesses in the educational, digital, and technology sectors, particularly those proficient in delivering IT services and working collaboratively with schools and community organisations. With a focus on building a diverse and sustainable tech talent pipeline, businesses involved can actively contribute to societal growth by nurturing future technology professionals. Companies specialising in STEM education, digital skills training, or with a keen interest in partnering with government and educational institutions to provide training and career guidance would find this programme aligns well with their expertise. Furthermore, organisations capable of reaching underrepresented groups, including girls and socioeconomically disadvantaged youths, will be well-poised to make impactful contributions to the programme's success and foster future growth in the UK's technology sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Prj_6326- South East 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 South East. 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-05fec6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059242-2026
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
24 Jun 2026Today
Submission Deadline
19 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
11 Mar 20263 months ago
Contract Period
21 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

STEM LEARNING

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fec6-2026-06-24T10:03:54+01:00",
    "date": "2026-06-24T10:03:54+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05fec6",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PVWZ-3216-PVQL",
            "name": "Department for Science, Innovation & Technology",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PVWZ-3216-PVQL"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "22 Whitehall",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "SW1A 2EG",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI32"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "dsit.dttgcbp@dsit.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PLZH-6586-PYPY",
            "name": "STEM Learning",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PLZH-6586-PYPY"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "National STEM Learning Centre",
                "locality": "York",
                "postalCode": "YO10 5DD",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKE21"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "enquiries@stem.org.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": false,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PVWZ-3216-PVQL",
        "name": "Department for Science, Innovation & Technology"
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "Prj_6326",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Prj_6326- South East digital and technology skills programme",
        "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 South East. 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.",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "72590000",
                        "description": "Computer-related professional services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1881600,
            "amount": 1568000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://beisgroup.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/esop/ogc-host/public/beisgroup/web/error.jst?_ncp=1767360401838.2871001-1",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-19T10:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-01-13T10:00:00+00:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-03-03T23:59:59+00:00"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 1881600,
                    "amount": 1568000,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "technical capability",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 80,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "price",
                            "numbers": [
                                {
                                    "number": 20,
                                    "weight": "percentageExact"
                                }
                            ]
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-03-31T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                }
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "000053-2026",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/000053-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-01-02T13:44:27Z",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 10,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 10,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 10,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Southeast digital and technology skills programme",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2026-03-11T00:00:00+00:00",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 1877520,
                "amount": 1564600,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-PPON-PLZH-6586-PYPY",
                    "name": "STEM Learning"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "72222300",
                            "description": "Information technology services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-05-11T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-05-13T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "039407-2026",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/039407-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-04-29T16:20:31+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2026-03-25T00:00:00+00:00",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2026-05-12T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "2",
            "status": "active",
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-PPON-PLZH-6586-PYPY",
                    "name": "STEM Learning"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "72222300",
                            "description": "Information technology services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UK",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "1"
                }
            ],
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "2",
            "awardID": "2",
            "status": "active",
            "period": {
                "startDate": "2026-05-22T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 1877520,
                "amount": 1564600,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "aboveThreshold": false,
            "dateSigned": "2026-05-22T00:00:00+01:00",
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "059242-2026",
                    "documentType": "contractNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK7",
                    "description": "Contract details notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059242-2026",
                    "datePublished": "2026-06-24T10:03:54+01:00",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}