--- title: "Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework" ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-041af2" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-041af2" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-041af2.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-041af2.json" source: "Find A Tender Service" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "NORTH OF TYNE COMBINED AUTHORITY" published: "2023-11-17" --- # Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework Buyer: NORTH OF TYNE COMBINED AUTHORITY Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-041af2 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-041af2) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-041af2.json) ## Summary The North of Tyne Combined Authority has issued a tender for a 'Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework' within the Education and training services category. This procurement opportunity aims to establish a framework for adult skills training services integration across the North East region, under the upcoming North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) from May 2024. The total value of this procurement is £280,000,000, with individual lots focusing on adult education, free courses for job seekers, and skills bootcamps. The deadline for submitting tenders is 18th December 2023, with a subsequent award period commencing on the same day. This tender presents significant business growth opportunities for a wide range of organisations, including further education colleges, independent training providers, and Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCSE), among others. Businesses that offer adult education services, training programmes, or skills development initiatives are well-suited to compete. As this procurement process involves the establishment of a long-term framework agreement, successful providers could benefit from a sustained partnership and the opportunity to deliver adult skills support in the region up to July 2025 and potentially beyond through extensions. Businesses should review the specific lots available and align their capabilities with the requirements outlined in the tender documents to maximise their chances of securing a place on the framework and contributing to the adult skills development agenda in the North East. ## Notice A devolution deal was agreed between ministers and local leaders across the North East in December 2022 to provide the area with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements. It is anticipated that the devolution deal will result in the creation of a new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland. NEMCA will have the power to make decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, finance, and economic development. Local leaders have worked together to negotiate an offer which matches their ambition to make a difference for residents, communities, and the economy. The funding for adult skills provides the opportunity to join up the region's skills and training offer, reduce duplication and make sure we are reaching those communities most disadvantaged. To achieve this, we are launching an Adult Skills Flexible Procurement Framework and inviting a wide range of organisations and providers of skills including futher education colleges, independent training organisations, Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCSE) organisations and other stakeholders, including employer providers, to tender for a place on the Framework. It is anticipated that, from May 2024, NEMCA will be operational and the successor body to the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). In that event, the current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as a result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024. It is also currently anticipated that NEMCA will operate any procedure (direct award or mini competition) for award of orders for services during the Term of the Flexible Procurement Agreement and therefore that than any contracts awarded as a result of such procedures will be entered into between the respective successful providers and NEMCA. This Procurement is issued by North Tyneside Council on behalf of The North of Tyne Combined Authority (referred to in this document as "NTCA"; the "Authority"; and "we"). The current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024. https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=7e390873-5485-ee11-8125-005056b64545&p=1c9e782c-541e-e611-8114-000c29c9ba21 ### Lot Information Devolved Adult Education The principal purpose of the devolved AEB is to engage adults aged 19+ and provide them with the skills needed for entering and sustaining work, an apprenticeship/traineeship, or other further learning. It provides funding for programmes of learning up to Level 2 (GCSE level equivalent) and some Level 3 qualifications for individuals aged 19-23. It does not fund all Level 3 learning as this is delivered through Free Courses for Jobs or Advanced Learner Loans, or programmes at Level 4 and above which are also funded through Advanced Learner Loans or Higher Education (HE) funding. The Minimum contract value for this lot is PS75,000 and Maximum PS750,000 Renewal: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer The Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer is designed to help adults to gain the skills that are sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects and support economic recovery. Funding in Lot 2 is available for Free Courses for Jobs provision to support adults to gain free fully funded Level 3 qualifications that are part of the national approved adult offer. This offer includes around 400 Level 3 qualifications in 20 different sector subject areas (SSA). Combined Authority officers, in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the region's growth/recovery sectors for delivery The minimum contract value for this lot is PS75,000 and maximum is PS750,000 Renewal: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available Skills Bootcamps Skills Bootcamps are intensive, Level 3-5 or equivalent flexible training courses up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview (in the case of a new job), which equip adults with technical skills that enable them to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, new opportunities, and an increased level of income over time (including for the self-employed). Provision in this Lot should be open to residents of the relevant areas aged 19 or over who are full-time or part-time employed, self-employed, unemployed (i.e. not in work), as well as adults returning to work after a break. Minimum contract value for this lot is PS75,000 and maximum is PS750,000 Renewal: The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Find A Tender Service | | Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034138-2023 | | Notice type | Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Framework | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Open | | Procurement method details | Open procedure | | Tender suitability | Not specified | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 17 Nov 2023 | | Submission deadline | 18 Dec 2023 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | Not specified | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | £280,000,000 | | Lots value | £34,700,000 | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Active | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | NORTH OF TYNE COMBINED AUTHORITY | | Locality | NEWCASTLE | | Post town | Newcastle upon Tyne | | Postcode | NE4 5BZ | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLC North East (England) | | ITL 2 | TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear | | ITL 3 | TLC43 Tyneside | | Local authority | Newcastle upon Tyne | | Electoral ward | Arthur's Hill | | Westminster constituency | Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West | | Delivery location | TLC North East (England) | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 80 - Education and training services ### Codes - 80000000 - Education and training services ## Release History - 17 Nov 2023 at 15:34 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/034138-2023 ## Notice URLs - http://www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk - https://procontract.due-north.com - https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=7e390873-5485-ee11-8125-005056b64545&p=1c9e782c-541e-e611-8114-000c29c9ba21 - https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-041af2. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-041af2.json.