Scope
Reference
OPEN2026148
Description
he Council are inviting suppliers to participate in preliminary engagement to gain insight from the market with the purpose of making any potential future exercise, well framed, feasible, focused and of likely interest to the market.
This preliminary market engagement questionnaire is to gauge the scope of interest from potential providers, based in the North East Combined Authority region.
DurhamLearn, supporting the NECA Local Growth Plan, aims to invest in skills, improve access to employment and reduce the digital divide. "By unlocking the potential of our people through increased skills, better and more employment, and improved health outcomes, we can increase productivity and help drive the UK's Growth Mission."
DurhamLearn will focus on:
• A range of non-accredited programmes to help those furthest from the labour market
• Accredited qualifications
• Short intensive employer led courses, allowing skills specific training into work
The questionnaire focuses on the following key areas.
• developing the authority's requirements and approach to the procurement
• identifying providers that may be able to supply the services required.
The benefits to your organisation in participating in this process include:
• the chance to assess whether the opportunity will be suitable and of interest to you
• the chance to attract new training organisations
There is no commercial advantage or disadvantage to your organisation being involved in this exercise.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2029
- 3 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Engagement
Engagement deadline
27 February 2026
Engagement process description
Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire can be accessed, free of charge ,for completion and submission at www.open.org-uk using reference OPEN2026148
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government