Scope
Description
A Cumbria Connect to Work (CtW) Programme is being procured to cover the Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council areas. Cumberland Council is leading on the procurement and is also the Accountable Body for this programme. The Councils are seeking, through the CtW programme, to break down barriers to employment and provide sustainable job opportunities for individuals with complex needs.
The council proposes to enter into the contract from the 27th October 2025 with the successful tenderer. The initial contract period is from 27th October 2025 - 31st March 2028. The contract end date of 31st March 2030 is the date the contract will end if both of the potential 12 months extensions are used. Use of these extensions is at the absolute discretion of the council. Any extensions will be confirmed with the successful supplier if implemented.
The highest estimated value is £9,883,966 excluding VAT. This is for the initial term and the two potential 12 months extension periods.
For further details and to access the tender documents, including the service specification, please use our online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk. You must be registered on The Chest. Registration is free.
All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT).
Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.
Total value (estimated)
- £9,883,966 excluding VAT
- £11,860,759 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 27 October 2025 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years, 5 months, 5 days
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for two contract extensions of up to 12 months each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75110000 - General public services
- 75131000 - Government services
- 75200000 - Provision of services to the community
- 79600000 - Recruitment services
- 80400000 - Adult and other education services
- 80500000 - Training services
- 98200000 - Equal opportunities consultancy services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Submission
Enquiry deadline
16 September 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
29 September 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 October 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 85% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10% |
| Price | Price | 5% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government