Scope
Reference
DS503-25
Description
The supplier is required to provide a wraparound service to support the delivery of the Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme.
The wraparound services include:
• Management and support of on-line learning
• Ongoing on-line learning course platform
• Services for administration of the Apprenticeship Service (DAS account administration)
• Cost of managing data systems needed to process ILR submission (PICS)
• On-going development of materials
• Manage EPA arrangement and assessments
• Managing sub-contract agreements
• Financial Management
• Funding claims
• Audit checks and management
• PICs data checking for accuracy and responding to ESFA reporting requirements
The supplier shall act as the lead provider, with Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority acting as a delivery sub-contractor for parts of the apprenticeship programme (including the practical training).
Both parties shall work as a partnership to deliver the complete Operational Firefighter Apprenticeship Programme.
An initial cohort of 14 wholetime firefighters will utilise this partnership to complete their apprenticeship. Further cohorts are also likely (dependant on recruitment of wholetime Firefighters and plans for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service to become an Employer Provider and no longer requiring a wraparound service provider). Becoming an Employer Provider is subject to business case development and approval.
The supplier draws down funds from the Apprenticeship Levy. They pay the End Point Assessment Organisation and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service for the elements of the apprenticeship that they provide. The supplier retains an agreed amount for the services they provide.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £45,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Date signed
1 August 2025
Contract dates
- 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
This partnership may be used to support additional cohorts of wholetime Firefighter recruits. This is dependant on recruitment of whole Firefighters and if Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service become an Employer Provider.
CPV classifications
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
Contract locations
- UKK - South West (England)
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - without competition
Special regime
Light touch
Supplier
South West Association of Training Providers Limited (SwatPro)
- Companies House: 07465523
Goodwood House, Blackbrook Park Avenue
Taunton
TA1 2PX
United Kingdom
Email: info@swatpro.org.uk
Website: https://www.swatpro.org.uk/
Region: UKK23 - Somerset
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
Devon & Somerset Fire & Rescue Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNLD-1131-HTWN
Service Headquarters
Exeter
EX3 0NW
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@dsfire.gov.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government