- Lot 1A (was 1). Skills for Life
- Lot 1B. Skills for Growth
- Lot 2A. Health, Public Services and Care
- Lot 2B. Engineering and Manufacturing
- Lot 2C. Construction and the Build Environment
- Lot 2D. Digital Technology
- Lot 2E. Transport & Logistics
- Lot 2F. Creative and Design
- Lot 2G. Sales, Marketing and Procurement
- Lot 2H. Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
- Lot 2I. Other
- Lot 3. Future Funding Training and Skills Provision
Scope
Reference
DN796031
Description
You are invited to submit an application for inclusion on an Open Framework for the provision of training services for adults.
The Contracting Authority is conducting this procurement under the Procurement Act 2023, following an open tender procedure in accordance with the Light Touch Regime and the publication of the relevant Find a Tender Service (FTS) notice.
The objective is to establish an Open Framework of Training Service Providers from which the Contracting Authority may enter into individual call-off agreements, either through further competition or direct award, as required to support the delivery of its adult skills and education priorities across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool.
The Contracting Authority initially intends to establish three main lots under the Framework, divided into sub-lots as follows:
• Lot 1 Adult Skills Fund
Lot 1A Skills for Life
Lot 1B Skills for Growth
• Lot 2 Skills Bootcamps
Lot 2A Health, Public Services and Care
Lot 2B Engineering and Manufacturing
Lot 2C Construction and the Built Environment
Lot 2D Digital Technology
Lot 2E Transport & Logistics
Lot 2F Creative and Design
Lot 2G Sales, Marketing and Procurement
Lot 2H Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
Lot 2I Other
• Lot 3 Future Funding Training & Skills Provision
There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation.
Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted.
In addition to the Contracting Authority, the Framework will also be available for use by each of the Constituent Authorities; Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Borough Council, and Lancashire County Council, should they have individual requirements that fall within the scope of this Framework.
A full description of the Contracting Authority's requirements is set out in the Service Specifications for each Lot, which can be found in the tender document appendices B1, B2, and B3.
Providers should note that a place on the Framework does not guarantee the award of any contract for service.
Full details of the requirements are provided within the tender documents.
There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation.
Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted.
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 3 March 2026 to 2 March 2029
- Possible extension to 2 March 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23.
The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions)
The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2."
It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration.
The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
This procurement relates to establishment of an open framework, options are as provided for under the call-off requirements. See tender documents for full details.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
Contract locations
- UKD4 - Lancashire
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation.
Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted.
Lot 1A (was 1). Skills for Life
Description
Adult Skills Fund.
As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 1B. Skills for Growth
Description
Adult Skills Fund
As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2A. Health, Public Services and Care
Description
Skills Bootcamps: As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2B. Engineering and Manufacturing
Description
As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2C. Construction and the Build Environment
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Construction and the Build Environment
As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2D. Digital Technology
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Digital Technology
As described within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2E. Transport & Logistics
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Transport & Logistics
As described within the tender documents
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2F. Creative and Design
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Creative and Design
As described within the tender documents
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2G. Sales, Marketing and Procurement
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Sales Marketing and Procurement
As described within the tender documents
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2H. Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
As described in the tender documents
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2I. Other
Description
Skills Bootcamps: Other
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Future Funding Training and Skills Provision
Description
As described in Lot 3 specification, within the tender documents.
Lot value (estimated)
- £180,000,000 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations, contract dates and options are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
2 March 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Following the establishment of the Open Framework, call-off contracts will be entered into based on requirement and demand.
It is anticipated that the process for call off will be principally via further competition (also known as mini-competition).
A further competition is where all Service Providers within the appropriate lot of the Framework will be given the opportunity to submit a proposal for the training requirement. The contract will then be awarded based on suitability of provision.
Pricing will be determined at call-off stage.
All Call-offs from the Framework will be awarded on a spot purchase basis and will remain in place for term specified in the Call Off Order Form (See appendix A) or until terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework.
As permitted under the Light Touch provisions, the Contracting Authority will determine the most suitable call-off process and will publish the call-off process at the time of requirement. The Contracting Authority may use a single stage process, or where it is deemed necessary may conduct a multi-stage process, and reserves the right to undertake processes which involve shortlisting.
The Contracting Authority may undertake an expression of interest step prior to inviting providers to engage in a further competition stage where it deems it appropriate (for instance where there are a high number of providers on a lot or where it is considered that there may be some more specialised requirements). An expression of interest template shall be issued to all providers on a lot setting out timeline and requirement.
Where an expression of interest stage has taken place, only providers responding to the expression of interest shall be invited to participate in a further competition.
There may be circumstances where the Contracting Authority determines that a direct award to a particular provider is appropriate. Direct awards may be made from this framework in the circumstances defined with the Framework Agreement.
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Lancashire Combined County Authority
Blackburn with Darwen Council
Blackpool Borough Council
Lancashire County Council
Contracting authority location restrictions
- UKD4 - Lancashire
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1A (was 1). Skills for Life
Lot 1B. Skills for Growth
Lot 2A. Health, Public Services and Care
Lot 2B. Engineering and Manufacturing
Lot 2C. Construction and the Build Environment
Lot 2D. Digital Technology
Lot 2E. Transport & Logistics
Lot 2F. Creative and Design
Lot 2G. Sales, Marketing and Procurement
Lot 2H. Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships
Lot 2I. Other
Lot 3. Future Funding Training and Skills Provision
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
17 November 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
24 November 2025, 11:59pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All tenders must be submitted electronically via The Chest (https://www.the-chest.org.uk/index.html ).
The tender advert and all documentation can be found on The Chest here:
https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9396ee55-a9b5-f011-813a-005056b64545
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
10 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 100% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The English Devolution White Paper set out the government's vision for simpler local government structures in order to lead to better outcomes for residents, improved local accountability and savings which can then be reinvested in public services. All councils in 2-tier areas and small neighbouring unitary authorities have been invited to develop proposals for unitary local government with the aim of bringing together lower and upper tier local government services in new unitary councils to deliver local government reorganisation. It is likely that within the duration of this contract there may be further development of local government reorganisation that could result in the area and scope of coverage of this contract changing. It is not clear at this stage what the reorganisation will look like. The Contracting Authority reserves the right to modify, review or amend the contract as may become appropriate in order to effectively respond to any future requirements as a result of local government reorganisation.
From time to time there may be external funding authorities, for example the Department for Education, who may provide for new, refreshed or extended skills and training provision / programmes. In the event that such provisions / programmes are released the Contracting Authority reserves that right to modify, review or amend the Framework Agreement, Contracts awarded from the Framework or may re-open the Framework to incorporate any such provision / programme.
The Contract Authority reserves the right to modify any call off contracts or the Framework Agreement where deemed necessary in order to maintain appropriate delivery for service users.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Lancashire Combined County Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBL-4228-XTLM
County Hall
Preston
PR1 0LD
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jenna Douthwaite
Email: procurement@lancashire-cca.gov.uk
Website: https://lancashire-cca.gov.uk/
Region: UKD45 - Mid Lancashire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government