HCC Sept 2024 – Framework Agreement for the Provision of Adult and Tailored Learning Services (Step2Skills)

Concepts

• adult education
• hertford
• tailored learning services
• learning opportunities
• learning providers
• service needs analysis
• further learning
• adult
• learning
• step2skills

Location

HERTFORD

Description

Hertfordshire County Council (hereinafter referred to as the Council), are out to procurement for a Framework Agreement for the Provision of Adult and Tailored Learning Services.

Total Quantity or Scope

Hertfordshire County Council is out to procurement for a Framework Agreement for the Provision of Adult and Tailored Learning Services.As part of Hertfordshire County Council, Step2Skills is the Adult and Tailored Learning service and provides opportunities for adults in Hertfordshire to get involved in learning within the community. They aim to collaborate with people who face barriers to education and employment such as low skills, learning or physical disabilities, and mental health conditions. Step2Skills is looking to establish a Framework Agreement with a number of Subcontractors to provide a range of adult and tailored learning opportunities to target groups within the population of Hertfordshire. Subcontractors awarded onto the Framework Agreement will have the opportunity to bid for the year 1 Call-Off early in 2025.Tenderers must be included in the UK Register of Learning Providers (UKLRP) and have a valid UK Provider Reference Number (UKPRN). Step2Skills has been undertaking an annual Service Needs Analysis to understand priority locations and populations since the adult education service started. This analysis also informs the commissioning process and the evaluation of potential delivery partners in terms of links with target populations, experience of meeting national and local needs whilst also delivering value for money. All delivery must demonstrate value for money, with clear progression routes towards further learning, employment and/or better mental health. Step2Skills and its partners are subject to Ofsted inspections, ensuring compliance with the Further Education and Skills Education Inspection Framework. Full details are in the Specification, Schedule 1 of the Terms and Conditions document.The estimated total value of the Framework Agreement is stated in II.1.5) of this notice and is for the initial term inclusive of the approximate value for extensions. For the avoidance of doubt, the estimated annual spend is approximately £1,500,000. The total value advertised is to cover any additional funding that may be available during the period of the Framework Agreement. The Framework Agreement will be awarded for an initial term of two years, with the option to extend the Framework Agreement up to two further years on an annual basis. Please note that the contract requirements will be subject to available financial resources, supplier performance and flexibility to meet changing demands.Organisations should be aware that due to the nature of the Services provided, any Framework Agreement formed as a result of this procurement process shall be executed as a deed. Organisations should seek independent legal advice on the implications of this prior to submitting their bid, where appropriate.

Renewal Options

This Framework Agreement will be reviewed at the end of the Framework Agreement period. Option to extend the initial Framework Agreement period for further period(s) of up to two (2) years on an annual basis, at the Council’s sole discretion .

CPV Codes

• 80400000 - Adult and other education services
• 80000000 - Education and training services

Indicators

• Bids should cover the whole contract.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Options are available.
• Renewals are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

Further information regarding this opportunity can be found in II.2.4 and VI.3 below. Organisations wishing to take part in this project are invited to "express interest" which will give access to the full procurement documents in the e-tendering system. Please see VI.3) Additional information for further information. Any questions relating to this procurement must be made via the correspondence area in the e-Tendering system, in accordance with the procurement documents and can be addressed to the main contact as shown in the details above. Tenderers should be aware that due to the nature of the Services provided, any Framework Agreement formed as a result of this procurement process shall be executed as a deed. Tenderers should seek independent legal advice on the implications of this prior to submitting their Tender, where appropriate. Please note Hertfordshire County Council has worked closely with its districts and partners to create a joint procurement portal called supply Hertfordshire. This portal provides an e-Tendering system which is run by In-Tend.To access this procurement opportunity please visit https://in-tendhost.co.uk/supplyhertfordshire/aspx/Home and follow the on-screen guidanceThis is a one stage procurement process. Therefore, if you wish to be considered as a tenderer you must complete and submit a tender by the specified closing date and time. Tender submissions cannot be uploaded after this return deadline.If you are experiencing problems In-Tend offer a help section which includes a dedicated UK support desk which can be contacted via email: support@in-tend.co.uk or Telephone: +44 1144070065 for any website/technical questions, Monday to Friday, 8:30-17:00.The Council reserves the right at any time to cease the procurement process and not award the Framework Agreement or to award only part of the opportunity described in this notice. If the Council takes up this right, then they will not be responsible for or pay the expenses or losses, which may be incurred by any organisation or tenderer as a result.The Council undertakes to hold confidential any information provided in the proposal submitted, subject to the Council's obligations under the law including the Freedom of Information Act 2000. If the organisation considers that any of the information submitted in the proposal should not be disclosed because of its sensitivity then this should be stated with the reason for considering it sensitive. The Council will then endeavour to consult with the applicant about such sensitive information when considering any request received under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 before replying to such a request.The Council reserves the right to carry out additional financial checks on all organisations bidding for this opportunity at any time during the procurement process. This is to ensure that they continue to meet the Council's requirements and remain financially viable to fulfil the requirements under the Agreement.