Scope
Description
The Department for Education (DfE) intends to procure a supplier to design and deliver a national Professional Development (PD) and organisational support programme to support providers delivering technical and vocational qualifications, including T Levels, V Levels and Level 2 Pathways. The contract will begin on 1 June 2026 with delivery commencing from 1 September 2026. The contract will run for run for three years until 31 May 2029, with an option to extend for a further one year to 31 May 2030.
The programme will provide evidence based subject specific and pedagogical training for teachers, industry led upskilling sessions to ensure teaching reflects current industry practice, and regional collaboration networks to support peer learning and sustainable processes. In addition, the supplier will deliver organisational support for leaders and other provider staff to help providers plan, implement, and scale their technical and vocational offer in line with qualification reform and wider 16-19 pathways.
The contract will involve a blend of pre recorded materials, live online sessions and in person activity. Significant new content development is expected as specifications for new qualifications become available. Delivery must align with wider FE workforce reforms, including evidence led PD principles.
The planned procurement will include social value as part of the evaluation criteria weighted at 10% and will cover MAC2a: Learning and skills development opportunities relevant to the contract to address skills gaps, in relation to PPN002 "Taking account of social value in the award of central government contracts".
DfE intends to run an Open Procedure, with the Invitation to Tender planned for publication on 26 January 2026.
The DfE is keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will also be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations.
Total value (estimated)
- £15,000,000 excluding VAT
- £18,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 August 2029
- Possible extension to 31 August 2030
- 4 years, 3 months
Description of possible extension:
Potential 1 year extension
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
26 January 2026
Enquiry deadline
12 February 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
4 March 2026, 11:59pm
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
13 May 2026
Other information
Payment terms
Payment will be made monthly in arrears, with invoices checked against the agreed delivery plan before approval. Delivery will be verified through evidence based checks, including sample reviews, participant feedback, and learning platform data. Payments will be released only for approved and evidenced milestones. Valid, undisputed invoices will be paid within 30 days. Performance will be monitored against KPIs, with service credits applied where required
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department for Education
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDZG-3487-DPVD
Sanctuary Buildings, 20 Great Smith Street
London
SW1P3BT
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government