Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Cornwall Council
County Hall, Treyew Road
Truro
TR1 3AY
UK
Contact person: Mr John Ward
E-mail: john.ward@cornwall.gov.uk
NUTS: UKK3
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.cornwall.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps
Reference number: DN753886
II.1.2) Main CPV code
80000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
Cornwall Council is seeking to put in place a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to support the provision of Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamp training and commissioned activities that will support individuals to develop the skills needed for everyday life and work, including progressing towards, entering into and sustaining work and upskilling or retraining in order to advance or change their career.
Cornwall Council envisage that the DPS will be procured in compliance with Regulations 74-77 (the so-called Light Touch Regime) of the Public Contract Regulations and include the following three lots:
Lot 1 - Adult Skills Fund
Lot 2 - Free Courses for Jobs
Lot 3 - Skills Bootcamps
The DPS will provide Cornwall Council with a selection of pre-qualified providers who will have opportunities to bid for individual service contracts using the call off process defined in the DPS, with delivery for Adult Skills and Free Courses for Jobs funding commencing from August 2025, following devolution of the funding to Cornwall Council in 2025. Cornwall Council will also independently need to procure Skills Bootcamps delivery for Cornwall from 2025/26 (Wave 6), replacing services previously delivered in partnership with Devon County Council under the Train 4 Tomorrow initiative.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
Yes
II.2) Description
Lot No: 1
II.2.1) Title
Adult Skills Fund
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80400000
80500000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKK3
UKK4
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The principal purpose of the devolved ASF 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. The devolved ASF encompasses a range of statutory entitlements for learners, including the right to fully funded provision for basic English and maths qualifications and, depending on the resident’s age and employment status, an entitlement to a first Level 2 and/or Level 3 qualification for individuals aged 19-23.
The devolved ASF also includes non-formula funded Tailored Learning provision. The purpose of Tailored Learning is to support learners into employment and to progress to further learning, in line with the overall purpose of the ASF. It will, however, also support wider outcomes including using it to improve health and wellbeing, equip parents/carers to support their child’s learning and develop stronger and more integrated communities
Lot No: 2
II.2.1) Title
Free Courses for Jobs
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80400000
80500000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKK3
UKK4
II.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 growth. 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 and Cornwall Level 3 Offer. Authority officers, in consultation with providers will monitor qualifications on the approved list to ensure that they meet the needs of the county's growth/recovery sectors for delivery.
Lot No: 3
II.2.1) Title
Skills Bootcamps
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
80400000
80500000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKK3
UKK4
II.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. Providers must ensure employer involvement in the design and delivery of their Skills Bootcamp provision. Providers will be required to provide evidence of its work with employers. This could include involvement in the provision of behavioural skills support, work experience, coaching and mentoring, or the delivery of content.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
31/01/2025
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This notice is published to inform potential providers of the Council’s upcoming procurement opportunity, anticipated to commence in late January 2025.
At this stage, the Council are only seeking expressions of interest only.
Potential providers who wish to participate are encouraged to register their interest in the council’s upcoming procurement by signing up on the Council’s ProContract System:
a) Register as a supplier on the Council’s ProContract System https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
b) Express an interest in the project titled Adult Skills and Bootcamp Skills in Cornwall - DN753886.
Following your expression of interest, the Council will notify you through the ProContract system when the procurement process begins in late January, enabling you to access the procurement documents and participate in the process.
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
17/12/2024