This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

17 Jul 2026 at 13:10

Summary of the contracting process

Kent County Council invites tenders for the Skills Bootcamp Lot 2 Agri-Food, a procurement initiative targeting the provision of flexible training for adults in sectors facing skills shortages, such as agri-food in Kent and Medway. This tender is at the "Tender" stage, inviting competitive bids, and is set to commence in September 2026 with a completion deadline by 31 March 2027. With an estimated funding envelope of £82,000 (excluding VAT), all submitted bids must adhere to the guidelines set out in the Kent Business Portal, with a final submission deadline of 7 August 2026. Prospective suppliers should note the need to satisfy the accelerated procurement method, which allows for negotiated procedures throughout the tender process to achieve optimal terms and conditions.

This tender represents a substantial opportunity for businesses specialising in training services to expand their portfolio, particularly those capable of delivering tailored programmes for workforce upskilling or reskilling in the agri-food sector. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are particularly encouraged to participate, given the tender's suitability for such entities. The competitive flexible procedure involves a framework agreement with opportunities for reopening competition, providing a structured pathway for suppliers to offer innovative solutions, potentially leading to increased market presence and revenue streams while contributing to local economic development.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Skills Bootcamp Lot 2 Agri-Food Reopen

Notice Description

Note: This framework re-opening process relates specifically to Lot 2 - Agri-Food. The purpose of the Skills Bootcamps programme is to provide tailored and flexible training opportunities for adults aged 19 and over in sectors with evidenced national or local skills shortages, including Kent and Medway's creative sector, agri-food, construction, retail, health and social care, and early years education. The programme aims to support individuals to upskill, retrain, or formalise existing skills in order to access in-demand employment opportunities, apprenticeships, career progression, and potentially higher earnings. The Lot 2 - Agri-Food contract is anticipated to commence in September 2026. For the 2026-27 financial year, all training courses and associated assessments must be completed by 31 March 2027. The estimated funding envelope for the 2026-27 financial year is up to PS82,000 (excluding VAT). However, no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract. The continuation of services for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years will be subject to confirmation at the relevant time. There may also be an option to extend the contract for up to 12 months. Any continuation of services beyond the 2026-27 financial year, including any contract extension period, will be dependent upon the Provider's successful achievement of the required outcomes and the availability of future funding. Accordingly, no commitment is made at this stage regarding service delivery beyond the 2026-27 financial year. Tender documents can be accessed via the Kent Business Portal (Delta Portal) at: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/ The access code for the Skills Bootcamp Lot 2 - Agri-Food Reopen Tenderbox is 83E9K2ZEU7. Please note that all bids must be submitted via the Delta Portal. Tenderers are responsible for ensuring that their submissions are completed and successfully submitted before the tender deadline. No alternative submission methods will be accepted.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The continuation of services for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 financial years will be subject to confirmation at the relevant time. There may also be an option to extend the contract for up to 12 months. Any continuation of services beyond the 2026-27 financial year, including any contract extension period, will be dependent upon the Provider's successful achievement of the required outcomes and the availability of future funding. Accordingly, no commitment is made at this stage regarding service delivery beyond the 2026-27 financial year.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06cdf2
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/067847-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

80 - Education and training services


CPV Codes

80500000 - Training services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£82,000 Under £100K
Lots Value
£82,000 Under £100K
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Jul 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
7 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
13 Sep 2026 - 30 Jun 2029 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
MAIDSTONE
Postcode
ME14 1XQ
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ45 Mid Kent
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent

Local Authority
Maidstone
Electoral Ward
Penenden Heath
Westminster Constituency
Maidstone and Malling

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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