Section one: Contracting authority/entity
one.1) Name and addresses
Solihull College and University Centre
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SB
Contact
Theresa Lynch
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKG32 - Solihull
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
AEB subcontract provision for Construction Skills Training
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80531100 - Industrial training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
AEB subcontract provision for Construction Skills Training within close proximity to Solihull College and University Centre
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £3,360,000
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKG32 - Solihull
Main site or place of performance
Within close proximity to Solihull College and University Centre
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Significant growth in housing and infrastructure developments in the West Midlands (including HS2) have triggered labour shortages in the local area. A CITB Construction skills gap analysis for the West Midlands Combined Authority area identified employer-based plant operative training is urgently required to address these skilled labour shortages.
This analysis identified 83% of construction workers in the West Midlands are interviewed on a site located within the same region as their current residence. The WMCA funding is split into key geographical areas and to support disadvantaged candidates in Solihull and the surrounding areas training must be offered within close proximity of Solihull College and University Centre.
Key objectives for this delivery outlined in the WMCA funding rules state that the role of providers is to "deliver better value for money in terms of progression (within providers and onto College), reduce 'churn' generated through employability programmes (in-work training provision) and provide clearer access points for individuals at community level".
The College requires a subcontract partner with experience of WMCA AEB, funding and audit rules, and with CSCS and CPCS accreditation to deliver Level 1 and 2 Construction Skills training in a simulated live environment to enhance learner employability in the Solihull Borough and the WMCA region.
The subcontract partner will be responsible for the sourcing of, training of and supporting into employment of 450 learners (anticipated annual volume) between 01 August and 31 July in cohorts of between 10-12.
It is essential that the subcontractor partner can evidence sustainable employment for at least 50% of learners at 13-weeks employment. Further to this requirement the subcontractor must also be able to evidence proven experience of engagement with disadvantaged candidates (unemployed; recently redundant; on zero hours or low pay contracts; ex-offenders; and other under represented groups).
The subcontract relationship will support the Construction Gateway in Solihull operate for a minimum three-year term with annual review (contract will be subject to ongoing satisfactory performance and funding availability).
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Subject to ongoing satisfactory performance, WMCA funding rules and available funding the contract may be extended for another 2 years in 1 year increments.
two.2.14) Additional information
Please refer to the following independent sources:
CITB, Construction skills gap analysis for the West Midlands Combined Authority area. May 2018 see https://www.wmca.org.uk/media/2235/construction-skills-gap-analysis.pdf
For further information regarding the Construction Gateway please see https://beta.wmca.org.uk/in-my-area/projects/construction-gateway-in-solihull/
WMCA AEB funding rules - https://www.wmca.org.uk/media/4196/25-august-wmca-aeb-funding-rules-2020-2021-v13-clean.pdf Note: 21-22 rules are expected for release in July but no major changes to strategy are anticipated.
The intention to award to RMF was approved by Governors on 27.05.21 subject to completion of satisfactory due diligence and WMCA approval.
A contract will not be entered into by the College before 05.07.2021 to enable any valid challenges to this award to be made.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Negotiated without a prior call for competition
- The works, supplies or services can be provided only by a particular economic operator for the following reason:
- absence of competition for technical reasons
Explanation:
Solihull College and University Centre believes that RMF Construction Skills Training Academy Limited is the only subcontractor capable of delivering the services required meeting all of the criteria identified which are in summary:
• To meet WMCA AEB funding guidelines and capacity requirements (while delivering value for money via management / assessment),
• Licensed to CSCS and CPCS to deliver Level 1 and 2 Construction Skills training with a proven track record in plant training delivery in a simulated live environment
• Having the ability to source, train and support into employment 450 learners (anticipated annual volume) between 01 August and 31 July in cohorts of between 10-12.
• Able to evidence sustainable employment for at least 50% of learners at 13-weeks employment and also to evidence proven experience of engagement with disadvantaged candidates (unemployed; recently redundant; on zero hours or low pay contracts; ex-offenders; and other under represented groups).
• Within a close proximity to Solihull College and University Centre in order to support disadvantaged candidates in Solihull and the surrounding areas
In order for the College to continue to be in receipt of funding for entry level and level 1 construction the College is required to have in place a construction gateway offer to transition unemployed individuals into work from August 2021
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section five. Award of contract/concession
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
27 May 2021
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
RMF Construction Training Academy Limited
Unit 2, Oughton Road
Birmingham
B12 0DF
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UKG31 - Birmingham
Internet address
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: £3,360,000
Section six. Complementary information
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Clerk to the Corporation, Solihull College and University Centre
Blossomfield Road
Solihull
B91 1SB
Country
United Kingdom