Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Falkirk Council
Abbotsford House, David’s Loan
Falkirk
FK2 7YZ
Telephone
+44 1324506566
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM76 - Falkirk
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00184
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.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
Employability Support Services - Five Stage Pipeline Approach
Reference number
PS/214/23
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Falkirk Council has adopted the national five stage employability pipeline for the organisation, commissioning, management and delivery of employability services to support and assist individuals in their journey towards and into employment. Services will be tailored to ensure a person centred approach with a coherent range of specialist support that responds flexibly and effectively to meet the needs of individuals and their employers.
Falkirk Council will be seeking to procure services from providers who are experienced in delivering to individuals who are disadvantaged and excluded from participating in the labour market, who face a range of barriers to employment and require additional support in order to obtain, sustain and progress in employment. Falkirk Council will be seeking a range of services which support a person centred, needs based approach which treats individuals with dignity and respect at all times. (ctd in Additional Information)
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £4,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Engagement and Barrier Removal
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80500000 - Training services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM76 - Falkirk
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The framework recognises the need to better support disadvantaged groups to move towards and into employment. This has to start with
greater focus on early engagement, assessment of support needs and effective action planning to more effectively tackle barriers that are
preventing individuals from participating in the labour market.
Working in partnership we are seeking a range of diverse interventions to effectively engage with those furthest from the labour market,
supporting individuals with multiple and often complex support needs. Services being procured will include motivation, confidence,
personal development, one to one support, mentoring, group work, core skills, health, wellbeing and financial support interventions. It is
envisaged that some structured, accredited and project based activities will also be required. This Lot covers the spectrum of activities at
Stage 1 and 2 of the Employability Pipeline.
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £800,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract or the framework agreement
Duration in months
48
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Vocational Training and Work Related Skills
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80500000 - Training services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM76 - Falkirk
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The focus of this Lot will be to improve the core, functional and vocational skills of individuals seeking to enter employment. The activities
within this lot will enable a structured approach to work experience enabling individuals to gain employability competencies and where
relevant occupationally focused certification. This Lot covers the spectrum of activities at Stage 3 and 4 of the Employability Pipeline and
will enable a tailored pathway to local labour market opportunities.
It is anticipated that the provision in this Lot will enable supported and sheltered work experience and where possible industry recognised
certification, pre apprenticeship programmes and a structured transitional pathway to sustainable employment. Job Search skills and agreed
elements of employer engagement, job brokerage may also be relevant within this Lot.
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £2,400,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract or the framework agreement
Duration in months
48
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
In Work Support and Work Based Qualifications
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80500000 - Training services
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80530000 - Vocational training services
- 80570000 - Personal development training services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM76 - Falkirk
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
This Lot reflects the increased need for in-work support to help enable previously unemployed people to sustain and progress in
employment once the initial transition has been made. It is also important to recognise that many individuals will enter this activity at Stage
5 of the Employability Pipeline having progressed from previous activities delivered at Lots 1 and 2 of the framework.
This lot includes the delivery of Vocational Qualifications, Modern Apprenticeships and other industry recognised training. The provision
of employer support, job carving, job coaching, health and safety, risk assessments, after care and other related assistance may also form
part of the in work support package to ensure the sustainability of progressions into employment.
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £800,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract or the framework agreement
Duration in months
48
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.4) Objective rules and criteria for participation
List and brief description of rules and criteria
The bidder must be able to demonstrate to the Councils satisfaction that they are operating under the name and address stated in the submission.
Insurance levels – Employers Liability minimum 5million GBP unless exempt by law as per the guidelines provided by UK Government, Public Liability 2million GBP. These must be in place or a commitment to obtain as a condition to being awarded on to the framework.
Additional insurances / levels may be required for particular mini competitions and will be notified accordingly. For notice, and only where applicable, there may be a requirement for professional indemnity 1 million GBP and compulsory motor insurance which complies with and meets the UK legal minimum requirements
Any element of the framework may be opened to new participants at Falkirk Council's sole discretion.
Providers that are not excluded and can meet all compliances will be awarded to the framework.
three.2) Conditions related to the contract
three.2.2) Contract performance conditions
Membership / accreditation / registration / professional qualifications are required to perform specific services. If these are not available then providers will not be asked to provide these services.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Form of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
four.1.10) Identification of the national rules applicable to the procedure
Information about national procedures is available at: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ssi/2015/446/part/2/chapter/3/crossheading/social-and-other-specific-services/made
four.1.11) Main features of the award procedure
Responses to the questionnaire Schedule 2 will be used to determine who is allocated work either by direct award or through mini competition. Mini competitions will have selection / award criteria detailed for that specific requirement.
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
3 July 2023
Local time
11:00am
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
Section six. Complementary information
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
(ctd) Falkirk Council via its Employment and Training Unit will retain responsibility for the end to end provision overseeing the participant employability journey working with a range of delivery partners to enhance the capacity and variety of support available.
Some specialist provision will be required for individuals with learning disabilities across all employability support services and an inclusive approach to the design and delivery of provision is essential.
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
The procurement exercise will be governed by Regulations 74, 75 & 76 of Public Contract (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
Reserve right to open Framework to new entrants at Falkirk Council sole discretion. New Entrants will be subject to the same requirements as detailed in this Contract Notice and Tender Documents. New Entrants can apply by making initial contact to cpu@falkirk.gov.uk.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=732833.
The buyer has indicated that it will accept electronic responses to this notice via the Postbox facility. A user guide is available at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/sitehelp/help_guides.aspx.
Suppliers are advised to allow adequate time for uploading documents and to dispatch the electronic response well in advance of the closing time to avoid any last minute problems.
The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason:
These are services to the individual and Falkirk Council Employment & Training Unit is responsible for the services provided to the individual. The ETU manages the end to end Employability Pipeline Support and wants a direct relationship with the service provider delivering the specific service requirements to the individual.
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
Community Benefits will be identified for each of the specific requirements that will be awarded via direct award or mini competition.
(SC Ref:732833)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Court of Session
Edinburgh
Country
United Kingdom