---
title: "Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "CORNWALL COUNCIL"
published: "2025-02-17"
---

# Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps

Buyer: CORNWALL COUNCIL  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b.json)

## Summary

Cornwall Council has announced a public procurement opportunity titled "Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps" under the Education and Training Services industry category. The Council aims to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to support adult skills development through various training programmes. This procurement process kicks off with an invitation for organisations to submit a Request to Participate (RTP) by 12 noon on 10th March 2025. The initial window for applications is open, and subsequent windows will be introduced periodically. The DPS will involve a preliminary evaluation of applicants and subsequent mini-competitions for awarding contracts, with contracts anticipated to begin in August 2025 following funding devolution to Cornwall Council.

This procurement provides significant opportunities for businesses in the education and training sectors. Companies specialising in adult education, vocational training, or upskilling initiatives, especially those able to deliver programmes covering basic skills, free courses for jobs, and skills bootcamps, will find this process well-suited to their services. Additionally, businesses with established relationships with employers and capability in designing and delivering relevant training programmes will benefit from participating. Successful inclusion in the DPS allows for bidding on various call-off contracts, thereby enhancing growth prospects and fostering collaboration between the public sector and training providers.

## Notice

Cornwall Council (Council) is seeking to put in place a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to support the provision of Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamp training and commissioned activities that will support individuals to develop the skills needed for everyday life and work, including progressing towards, entering into and sustaining work and upskilling or retraining in order to advance or change their career. As the services in this procurement fall under Schedule 3 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015, this DPS will be governed by regulations 74 to 77 (the so-called Light Touch Regime), providing the Council with additional flexibility. Unlike a continuously open DPS, this DPS will operate through a series of defined windows that will open and close throughout the duration of the DPS. Further details on the additional flexibilities are detailed in the procurement documents and summarised in this notice. The DPS will be a completely electronic system and includes three Lots: * Lot 1 - Adult Skills * Lot 2 - Free Courses For Jobs * Lot 3 - Skills Bootcamps This notice invites any organisation ('Applicant') interested in joining the Council's DPS during the initial window to submit a Request to Participate ('RTP') in stage 1 of the procurement no later than 12 noon 10th March 2025 ('RTP Return Date') . Those Applicants whose RTP meet the Council's evaluation methodology will be eligible to the join the DPS as a Participant ('Participant'). Stage 2 of the procurement the Council will use a Mini-Competition process to award Call-Off Contracts(s) to Participant(s) for Service requirements under one or more of the DPS Lots. The Council anticipate that the DPS will be chosen approach to award a Call-Off Contracts for the delivery of Adult Skills and Free Courses For Jobs funding commencing August 2025 (following devolution of the funding to Council in 2025). Subject to confirmation of funding by Department For Education the Council also intends to use this DPS to award Skills Bootcamps delivery in Cornwall from 2025/26, replacing services previously delivered in partnership with Devon County Council under the Train 4 Tomorrow initiative. The estimated values in this notice are given in good faith as a guide and are not an undertaking on behalf of the Council to purchase Services to this or any other particular value and shall not create a binding obligation.

### Lot Information

Lot 1 - Adult Skills

The principal purpose of the devolved ASF 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 devolved ASF encompasses a range of statutory entitlements for learners, including the right to fully funded provision for basic English and maths qualifications and, depending on the resident's age and employment status, an entitlement to a first Level 2 and/or Level 3 qualification for individuals aged 19-23. The devolved ASF also includes non-formula Tailored Learning provision. The primary purpose of tailored learning is to support learners into employment and to progress to further learning, in line with the overall purpose of the ASF. It will, however, also support wider outcomes including using it to improve health and wellbeing, equip parents/carers to support their child's learning and develop stronger and more integrated communities. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards: 1) Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers. 2) Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 - requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date. 3) Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR). 4) Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation. 5) Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council's Contract and Ofsted requirements.

Lot 2 - Free Courses For Jobs

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. 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. This offer includes around 400 Level 3 qualifications in 20 different sector subject areas (SSA). Cornwall Council as part of its devolved freedom and flexibilities has added additional courses to this list. The Council in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the County's strategic priorities. Funding in this Lot should support adults aged 24+ to gain their first Level 3 qualification. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards: 1) Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers. 2) Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 - requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date. 3) Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR). 4) Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation. 5) Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council's Contract and Ofsted requirements.

Lot 3 - Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are intensive, Level 3-5 (and in certain cases Level 2) 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). They are designed to support rapid training into higher-paid and sustainable job roles for sectors with evidenced vacancies, that align to the Department for Education (DfE) sector priorities; Digital, Technical, Green Skills, HGV, Construction, Early Years and Creative Industries and regional sector priorities (capped at 50% of the award total). Provision in this Lot should be open to Cornwall residents 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. Applicants must ensure employer involvement in the design and delivery of their Skills Bootcamp provision. Applicants will be required to provide evidence of their work with employers. This could include involvement in the provision of behavioural skills support, work experience, coaching and mentoring, or the delivery of content. Additional information: In order to join the Council DPS the Applicant must meet the following minimum standards: 1) Hold a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN) from the UK Register of Learning Providers. 2) Be either registered with the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services (Ofsted) with your most recent Ofsted rating of grade 3 - requires improvement or above; or if you are a new training provider awaiting a monitoring visit from Ofsted. If this applies, please state your anticipated inspection date. 3) Have the ability to submit funding claims via the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) individual learner record (ILR). 4) Hold a cyber essential basics accreditation. 5) Hold policies and procedure (as set out in the procurement documents) that meet current legislative requirements, the Council's Contract and Ofsted requirements.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005471-2025 |
| Notice type | Planning Notice |
| Procurement type | Dynamic |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Selective |
| Procurement method details | Restricted procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning, Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 17 Feb 2025 |
| Submission deadline | 10 Mar 2025 |
| Future notice date | 31 Jan 2025 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | Not specified |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £15,942,000 |
| Lots value | £15,942,000 |
| 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 | CORNWALL COUNCIL |
| Locality | TRURO |
| Post town | Truro |
| Postcode | TR1 3AY |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK3 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly |
| ITL 3 | TLK30 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly |
| Local authority | Cornwall |
| Electoral ward | Truro Boscawen & Redannick |
| Westminster constituency | Truro and Falmouth |
| Delivery location | TLK3 Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, TLK4 Devon |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 80 - Education and training services

### Codes

- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services

## Release History

- 17 Feb 2025 at 17:21 - TenderUpdate - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/005471-2025
- 3 Feb 2025 at 16:19 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/003521-2025
- 17 Dec 2024 at 10:08 - Planning - Planning Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040547-2024

## Notice URLs

- http://www.cornwall.gov.uk
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert/Index?advertId=b3585c90-b3b0-ef11-8132-005056b64545
- https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk

## 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-04c89b. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-04c89b.json.