Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
North of Tyne Combined Authority
The Lumen St James Boulevard
Newcastle
NE4 5BZ
Contact
Mrs Joanna Elliott
joanna.elliott@northtyneside.gov.uk
Telephone
+44 1916434351
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKC - North East (England)
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk
Buyer's address
http://www.northoftyne-ca.gov.uk
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://procontract.due-north.com
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
one.5) Main activity
Education
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Flexible Procurement Agreement for the Adult Skills Framework
Reference number
DN699812
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
A devolution deal was agreed between ministers and local leaders across the North East in December 2022 to provide the area with new powers and funding to increase opportunities and living standards through inclusive growth and productivity improvements.
It is anticipated that the devolution deal will result in the creation of a new North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NEMCA) covering County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside, and Sunderland.
NEMCA will have the power to make decisions on areas such as transport, skills, housing, finance, and economic development. Local leaders have worked together to negotiate an offer which matches their ambition to make a difference for residents, communities, and the economy.
The funding for adult skills provides the opportunity to join up the region's skills and training offer, reduce duplication and make sure we are reaching those communities most disadvantaged.
To achieve this, we are launching an Adult Skills Flexible Procurement Framework and inviting a wide range of organisations and providers of skills including futher education colleges, independent training organisations, Voluntary and Community Sector Organisations (VCSE) organisations and other stakeholders, including employer providers, to tender for a place on the Framework.
It is anticipated that, from May 2024, NEMCA will be operational and the successor body to the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). In that event, the current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as a result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024.
It is also currently anticipated that NEMCA will operate any procedure (direct award or mini competition) for award of orders for services during the Term of the Flexible Procurement Agreement and therefore that than any contracts awarded as a result of such procedures will be entered into between the respective successful providers and NEMCA.
This Procurement is issued by North Tyneside Council on behalf of The North of Tyne Combined Authority (referred to in this document as “NTCA”; the “Authority”; and “we”). The current intention is that any Framework Agreements entered into between NTCA and the successful providers as result of this ITT will continue to remain in force for the duration of their contractual terms, acknowledging that NEMCA would be likely to replace NTCA as the contracting authority from May 2024.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £280,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 3
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Devolved Adult Education
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The principal purpose of the devolved AEB is to engage adults aged 19+ and provide them with the skills needed for entering and sustaining work, an apprenticeship/traineeship, or other further learning.
It provides funding for programmes of learning up to Level 2 (GCSE level equivalent) and some Level 3 qualifications for individuals aged 19-23. It does not fund all Level 3 learning as this is delivered through Free Courses for Jobs or Advanced Learner Loans, or programmes at Level 4 and above which are also funded through Advanced Learner Loans or Higher Education (HE) funding.
The Minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and Maximum £750,000
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £16,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
End date
31 July 2025
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
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
Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Free Courses for Jobs Level 3 Adult Offer is designed to help adults to gain the skills that are sought by employers. This will help them improve their job prospects and support economic recovery.
Funding in Lot 2 is available for Free Courses for Jobs provision to support adults to gain free fully funded Level 3 qualifications that are part of the national approved adult offer. This offer includes around 400 Level 3 qualifications in 20 different sector subject areas (SSA). Combined Authority officers, in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the region’s growth/recovery sectors for delivery
The minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and maximum is £750,000
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £2,000,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
End date
31 July 2025
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
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
Skills Bootcamps
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 80000000 - Education and training services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Skills Bootcamps are intensive, Level 3-5 or equivalent flexible training courses up to 16 weeks, with a guaranteed job interview (in the case of a new job), which equip adults with technical skills that enable them to access in-demand jobs, apprenticeships, new opportunities, and an increased level of income over time (including for the self-employed).
Provision in this Lot should be open to residents of the relevant areas aged 19 or over who are full-time or part-time employed, self-employed, unemployed (i.e. not in work), as well as adults returning to work after a break.
Minimum contract value for this lot is £75,000 and maximum is £750,000
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £16,700,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
End date
31 July 2025
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The initial contract award is from 1st April 2024 to 31st July 2025, with the option of 3 x 12 month extensions available
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
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 four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with a single operator
In the case of framework agreements, provide justification for any duration exceeding 4 years:
This framework does not exceed the 4 years duration
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.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
18 December 2023
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 3 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
18 December 2023
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Royal Courts of Justice
Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Country
United Kingdom