Scope
Reference
CP2641-25
Description
Devon County Council (DCC) seeks to implement a framework to provide Adult Skills Fund provision from high quality providers in Devon and Torbay, that is responsive to local needs, supports individuals furthest from the labour market, and contributes to the county's strategic objectives for economic development, social inclusion, and community wellbeing for the coming academic year (2025/26).
Provision must be delivery of Department for Education (DfE) approved qualifications. Contract awards will be based on the quality and reach of any proposed course provision. Contracts will be paid in arrears according to evidenced learner output milestones as this is the basis for receiving funding from the DfE.
Contractors will be required to submit learner data compliant with the existing learner data framework for Learn Devon (as part of DCC) as DCC will submit ILR data to the DfE on behalf of contracted providers.
Providers will be required to deliver DfE approved qualifications as follows:The first full Qualification at level 2 legal entitlement (excluding Maths, English, and ESOL) for individuals aged 19 to 23; and/or the first full Qualification at level 3 for individuals aged 19 to 23;
Essential digital skills qualifications, up to and including level 1, for individuals aged 19 or over, who have digital skills assessed at below level 1; Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs Offer for learners aged 23 or younger (from these approved DfE qualifications);
Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs Offer for learners aged 24 and over (from these approved DfE qualifications).
Training and skills courses resulting in DfE approved qualifications must be focused on the sectors below:
Health and Social Care
Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering (including Green Technologies)
Education
Hospitality
Transport and Storage
Information and Communication
Finance and Insurance
Professional, Scientific, and Technical
Digital (including Essential Digital Skills)
Access to the Preliminary Engagement Event and Questionnaire can be found using the following link to SupplyingtheSouthwest portal.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,338,469 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 August 2025 to 1 August 2026
- 11 months, 19 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
27 June 2025
Engagement process description
To inform the service provision approach Devon County Council will be undertaking a questionnaire for prospective bidders. The questionnaire will be supported by an online teams event where further discussion on the Authorities requirement and approach to the procurement element will be discussed.
The opportunity can be accessed on the SupplyingtheSouthwest portal using the following link.
19/06/2025 Pre-Engagement notice published
26/06/2025 Market engagement event (Teams Meeting)
27/06/2025 Return of questionnaires
1/07/25 ITT Issued
Noon 22/07/2025 Deadline for return of bids
05/08/2025 Notification by the Authority of the award decision and issue of assessment summaries
12/08/2025 Appointment of the successful Bidders to Framework and initial direct award of the contracts
14/08/2025 Contract commences
14/08/2025 - 31/07/2026 Delivery phase
Further details are given in the attached document
The Authority will make available all relevant information from this event and subsequent questionnaire as part of the publication of the ITT
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 July 2025
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
Contact name: Mr Symon Doliczny
Telephone: +44 1392383000
Email: symon.doliczny@devon.gov.uk
Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government