Award

Adult Education Budget Service Contract 1

  • West Midlands Combined Authority

F15: Voluntary ex ante transparency notice

Notice identifier: 2022/S 000-011470

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-03336b

Published 4 May 2022, 11:55am



Section one: Contracting authority/entity

one.1) Name and addresses

West Midlands Combined Authority

16 Summer Lane

Birmingham

B19 3SD

Email

Procurement.team@wmca.org.uk

Telephone

+44 3453036760

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKG31 - Birmingham

Internet address(es)

Main address

www.wmca.org.uk

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Regional or local authority

one.5) Main activity

General public services


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Adult Education Budget Service Contract 1

Reference number

01762-2018

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

From the 2019/20 academic year, the WMCA will take responsibility for the region's Adult Education Budget (AEB) and how it is delivered supporting eligible adult learners. The AEB is a key enabler of inclusive growth through the improvement of the qualification levels and skills of our adult residents. Our focus with the AEB is to address key issues including tackling unemployment amongst young people and creating more grass-roots provision to better engage hard to reach communities. We also want to ensure that AEB provision can be targeted to address the needs of key target groups such as care leavers and those over the age of 50. Finally, there are challenges for those residents in work and in low pay who struggle to re-train to access opportunities in our priority sectors including automotive/advanced manufacturing, business and professional services, construction and digital that we will use AEB to support. This service relates to the provision of adult education training services.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)

Value excluding VAT: £8,955,593.19

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Support for the Unemployed

Lot No

1

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKG - West Midlands (England)

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The provision of Adult Education Services - Lot 1 includes:

• general AEB qualifications focussed on tackling unemployment especially but not exclusively amongst young people

• Grass-roots delivery to better engage hard-to-reach communities and support priority groups (including care leavers and homeless)

• Sector Based Work Academies including flexible funding models for work experience

• Entitlement provision at all levels

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

The initial contract period is for 6 months, with an option to extend for a further 6 months (12 months total).

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes

Identification of the project

European Social Fund

two.2.14) Additional information

Funding awarded through the AEB commissioning process is classified as being clean in terms of being able to be matched with EU structural investment funds (e.g. ESF). Organisations commissioned to deliver AEB-funded provision must not endeavour to independently match AEB funding to any other funding stream without the express and complicit consent of the WMCA.

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Support for those already in employment

Lot No

2

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKG - West Midlands (England)

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The provision of Adult Education Services - Lot 2 includes:

• AEB qualifications delivered flexibly so those working can access them outside of work

• Re-training to improve the skills of low-paid and low-skilled workforce

• Increased delivery in key sectors - Level 3 qualifications in digital, engineering and construction offered in flexible ways with funding subsidies

• Pre-apprenticeship provision that supports the uptake of Apprenticeships

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

The initial contract period is for 6 months, with an option to extend for a further 6 months (12 months total).

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes

Identification of the project

European Social Fund

two.2.14) Additional information

Funding awarded through the AEB commissioning process is classified as being clean in terms of being able to be matched with EU structural investment funds (e.g. ESF). Organisations commissioned to deliver AEB-funded provision must not endeavour to independently match AEB funding to any other funding stream without the express and complicit consent of the WMCA.

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Innovative Delivery

Lot No

3

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 80000000 - Education and training services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKG - West Midlands (England)

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The provision of Adult Education Services - Lot 3 includes:

Innovative project and pilot-based approaches to respond to needs within the seven constituent local authority areas of the WMCA. Lot 3 provides greater flexibility but providers must ensure that the bid meets the overall ambitions of our adult offer and Regional Skills Plan (RSP).

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: Yes

Description of options

The initial contract period is for 6 months, with an option to extend for a further 6 months (12 months total).

two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: Yes

Identification of the project

European Social Fund

two.2.14) Additional information

Funding awarded through the AEB commissioning process is classified as being clean in terms of being able to be matched with EU structural investment funds (e.g. ESF). Organisations commissioned to deliver AEB-funded provision must not endeavour to independently match AEB funding to any other funding stream without the express and complicit consent of the WMCA.


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.1) Type of procedure

Negotiated without a prior call for competition

  • New works/services, constituting a repetition of existing works/services

Explanation:

This contract provides Adult Education Skills and Training throughout the West Midlands Combined Authority area.

The impact of the pandemic has been unprecedented and widespread across our residents communities, and businesses and we are currently experiencing a challenging economic picture. Employment is flat, while falling unemployment masks a continuing decline in the size of the labour force as economic inactivity rises. While short-term unemployment is at its lowest ever, long-term unemployment is significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels. Record vacancies signal that employers are finding it increasingly hard to fill posts. And while pay is increasing, soaring inflation means that it is declining in real terms. Taken together, this creates a toxic mix for living standards that will not resolve itself. The provision of training has a key role to play in moving people back into the labour force; improving workplace support; and helping people find good, well-paid employment and progress at work.

We want to align our skills funding to be able to deliver maximum impact so we intend to procure provision collectively – meaning we are aiming to run a single procurement opportunity for Adult Education Budget, National Skills Fund and Multiply.

The estimated length of time expected to be able to create the new offering is anticipated to be in the region of 6 to 12 months. We are therefore intending to let the contract for an initial period of 6 months with the option to extend for a further 6 month period.

To ensure service continuity, the West Midlands Combined Authority has taken the decision to award the contract to their current providers (please see list above), under Regulation 32 of the Procurement Regulations 2015 as the Services consist of a repetition of similar services entrusted to the current providers which are the same as or similar to the Services awarded under their original contracts.

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

four.2) Administrative information

four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure

Notice number: 2019/S 031-069933


Section five. Award of contract/concession

Lot No

1

Title

Adult Education Budget Service Contract 1 - Support for the unemployed

A contract/lot is awarded: Yes

five.2) Award of contract/concession

five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract

4 May 2022

five.2.2) Information about tenders

The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Back 2 Work Complete Training Ltd

Building 4, Universal Square, M12 6JH, Manchester

Manchester

M12 6JH

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKD33 - Manchester
National registration number

7559200

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

BCTG LIMITED

J W Hinks Chartered Accountants, 19 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3BH

Birmingham

B15 3BH

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

4323196

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Enterkey Training Ltd

337-339 Coventry Rd, Small Heath Birmingham B10 0SN

Birmingham

B10 0SN

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

5693159

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Gecko Programmes Ltd

Newhampton Arts Centre Dunkley Street, Room 113, Wolverhampton, England, WV1 4AN

Wolverhampton

WV1 4AN

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG39 - Wolverhampton
National registration number

6903147

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

JBC Skill Training Ltd

Stoneleigh House, 66-70 Earlsdon Street Coventry CV5 6EJ

Coventry

CV5 6EJ

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG33 - Coventry
National registration number

5801956

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

SKILLS TRAINING UK LIMITED

Hygeia House 3rd Floor, 66 College Road, Harrow, England, HA1 1BE

Harrow

HA1 1BE

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKI74 - Harrow and Hillingdon
National registration number

3713193

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Vocational Skills Solutions Limited

VSS House, 60 Bury New Road, Heap Bridge, Bury,BL9 7HR

Bury

BL9 7HR

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKD4 - Lancashire
National registration number

07918836

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)

Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £3,091,150.34

five.2.5) Information about subcontracting

The contract/lot/concession is likely to be subcontracted


Section five. Award of contract/concession

Lot No

2

Title

Adult Education Budget Service Contract 1 - Support for those already in employment

A contract/lot is awarded: Yes

five.2) Award of contract/concession

five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract

4 May 2022

five.2.2) Information about tenders

The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Back 2 Work Complete Training Ltd

Building 4, Universal Square, M12 6JH, Manchester

Manchester

M12 6JH

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKD33 - Manchester
National registration number

7559200

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

BCTG LIMITED

J W Hinks Chartered Accountants, 19 Highfield Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3BH

Birmingham

B15 3BH

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

4323196

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Enterkey Training Ltd

337-339 Coventry Rd, Small Heath Birmingham B10 0SN

Birmingham

B10 0SN

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

5693159

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Gecko Programmes Ltd

Newhampton Arts Centre Dunkley Street, Room 113, Wolverhampton, England, WV1 4AN

Wolverhampton

WV1 4AN

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG39 - Wolverhampton
National registration number

6903147

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

JBC Skill Training Ltd

Stoneleigh House, 66-70 Earlsdon Street Coventry CV5 6EJ

Coventry

CV5 6EJ

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG33 - Coventry
National registration number

5801956

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Phoenix Training Services (Midlands) Ltd

Phoenix Wharf Bolton Street Bordesley Birmingham B9 4HH

Birmingham

B9 4HH

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

13222441

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Serco ltd

Serco House, 16 Bartley Wood Business Park, Bartley Way, Hook, RG27 9UY

Hook

RG27 9UY

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKJ3 - Hampshire and Isle of Wight
National registration number

242246

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

No

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

SKILLS TRAINING UK LIMITED

Hygeia House 3rd Floor, 66 College Road, Harrow, England, HA1 1BE

Harrow

HA1 1BE

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKI74 - Harrow and Hillingdon
National registration number

3713193

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Vocational Skills Solutions Limited

VSS House, 60 Bury New Road, Heap Bridge, Bury,BL9 7HR

Bury

BL9 7HR

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKD4 - Lancashire
National registration number

07918836

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)

Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £2,826,940.20

five.2.5) Information about subcontracting

The contract/lot/concession is likely to be subcontracted


Section five. Award of contract/concession

Lot No

3

Title

Adult Education Budget Service Contract 1 - Innovative Delivery

A contract/lot is awarded: Yes

five.2) Award of contract/concession

five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract

4 May 2022

five.2.2) Information about tenders

The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

EAST BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY FORUM LTD

Jetshop, 73 Alum Rock Road, Birmingham, B8 1LY

Birmingham

B8 1LY

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

2766929

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Enterkey Training Ltd

337-339 Coventry Rd, Small Heath Birmingham B10 0SN

Birmingham

B10 0SN

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

5693159

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Netcom Training Ltd

4 - 5 Holt Court Heneage Street Aston Science Park Birmingham B7 4AX

Birmingham

B7 4AX

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

7678031

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

PET-XI LIMITED

Unit 4 Westwood House Westwood Way, Westwood Business Park, Coventry, West Midlands, England, CV4 8HS

Coventry

CV4 8HS

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG33 - Coventry
National registration number

8340686

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Pilot IMS Ltd

The Alcora Building Building 1, Suite 6 Mucklow Hill Halesowen B62 8DG

Halesowen

B62 8DG

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

4200249

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

Release Potential Ltd

The Bridges, Lead Road, Stocksfield, Northumberland, NE43 7SF

Stocksfield

NE43 7SF

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKC21 - Northumberland
National registration number

6768623

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

System Group Limited

Ground Floor, Egerton House, 68 Baker Street, Weybridge, Surrey, United Kingdom, KT13 8AL

Weybridge

KT13 8AL

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex
National registration number

315134

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire

WITTON LODGE COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Perry Common Community Hall, 87 Witton Lodge Road, Perry Common, Birmingham, West Midlands, B23 5JD

Birmingham

B23 5JD

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code
  • UKG31 - Birmingham
National registration number

2903760

The contractor/concessionaire is an SME

Yes

five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)

Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £3,037,502.65

five.2.5) Information about subcontracting

The contract/lot/concession is likely to be subcontracted


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

As stated elsewhere in this notice, the initial contract period is for 6 months, with an option to extend for a further 6 months (12 months total).

The current contracts end on the 31st July 2022, the new ones will commence from 1st August 2022.

For the purposes of maximum transparency, this is the first of 2 VEAT notices published by the WMCA in respect of the provision of Adult Education Services. The title of the second notice is Adult Education Budget Service Contract 2.

six.4) Procedures for review

six.4.1) Review body

West Midlands Combined Authority

16 Summer Lane

Birmingham

B19 3SD

Email

procurement.team@wmca.org.uk

Country

United Kingdom

Internet address

www.wmca.org.uk