Scope
Reference
CP2753-25
Description
Devon County Council (DCC) intends to establish an Open Framework for commissioning the delivery of high-quality skills provision services.
The Framework will support the delivery of programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), Skills Bootcamps, and other future skills initiatives aligned with local and national workforce needs. The Framework will be divided into Lots based on the different programme types.
The purpose of the Framework is to enable flexible and responsive skills provision that supports adults to develop the skills needed for sustainable employment and career progression, while also meeting employer demand and contributing to economic growth.
DCC may initiate Call-Offs from both Lot 1 - ASF and FCFJ and Lot 2 Skills Bootcamps for Wave 7 Skills Bootcamp following the appointment of Providers to the Framework.
DCC anticipates holding a Tender Launch Event via Microsoft Teams, shortly after the Invitation to Tender(ITT) is published. Details and access instructions will be included in the ITT documentation once published.
This notice is not a call for competition. Its purpose is solely to inform the market of the upcoming opportunity. The publication of this notice does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Authority to undertake any procurement exercise.
Full and final details regarding this opportunity will be provided in the Tender Notice and ITT once published.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £120,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 9 July 2026 to 8 July 2029
- Possible extension to 8 July 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
There is an option to extend for a further 2 years.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80300000 - Higher education services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKK4 - Devon
Lot 1. Adult Skills Fund(ASF) and Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ)
Description
ASF is a core funding stream provided by the Department for Working Pensions (DWP), designed to support adult learners, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, in gaining essential skills and qualifications that are up to Level 2, with some Level 3 qualifications for those aged 19 - 23, to improve employability, career progression, and participation in the workforce. This includes GCSEs, awards, certificates, and diplomas in vocational and technical subjects, and qualifications in English, Maths, and Digital.
FCFJ are targeted Level 3 qualifications, to support adults, aged 19+ in Devon and Torbay, who meet the definition of unemployed or below the earnings threshold, to develop new skills to improve their prospects in the labour market. In accordance with Department for Education (DfE) and DWP funding rules, providers must have ASF provision to be eligible to deliver FCFJ provision.
Lot value (estimated)
- £75,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Skills Bootcamp
Description
Skills Bootcamps funded by DWP ,are short, intensive training courses (typically 8-16 weeks) focused on priority sectors and technical skills. They are employer-led, designed to fill immediate skills gaps, and must include guaranteed job interviews for participants or increased contracts for self-employed learners.
Lot value (estimated)
- £35,000,000 excluding VAT
- £35,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Future Skills Projects
Description
To ensure long-term flexibility and responsiveness, the framework will also be available for commissioning provision for any new future skills projects in Devon, Torbay and Plymouth.
Lot value (estimated)
- £10,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
8 July 2031
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
The Devon and Torbay Combined Authority and Torbay Council.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Adult Skills Fund(ASF) and Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ)
Lot 2. Skills Bootcamp
Lot 3. Future Skills Projects
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
9 March 2026
Enquiry deadline
27 March 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
8 April 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders must be submitted via
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
26 June 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 100% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Devon County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRC-4623-RJBH
County Hall, Topsham Road,
Exeter,
EX2 4QD
United Kingdom
Email: procurement-mailbox@devon.gov.uk
Website: https://devon.gov.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government