Workforce Futures Strategy - Solent LEP

The Solent Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is seeking suitably experienced and qualified consultancy support to develop a ground-breaking, comprehensive and evidenced Workforce Strategy for the Solent (Workforce Futures: Developing Skills and Talent in the Solent) to provide the area with the world class skills and talent it needs to keep pace with technological change and transform competitiveness and productivity, enable our businesses to grow, attract investment, and increase wealth and economic participation for all. The strategy should be Industry demand driven, focussing on the technical and digital skills the area will need across a range of levels in conjunction with broader employability and entrepreneurial skills.

The Solent LEP is commissioning this work through its Accountable Body, Portsmouth City Council.

The following timescales apply to the procurement and subsequent delivery of the required services:

Publication of Project on In-Tend - 18th July 2017

Deadline for submission of proposals - 3rd August 2017 (17:00)

Notification of successful / unsuccessful applicants - By 7th Aug 2017

Inception meeting - W/C 7th Aug 2017

Contract start date - W/C 7th Aug 2017

Interim Report - Phase 1 Activity - End September 2017

Interim Report to LEP Board - 6th October 2017

Interim Report & Presentation to ESB - 11th October 2017

Draft Interim Skills Strategy and Implementation Plan (Phase 1 and Phase 2 Activity) - Mid October 2017 Presentation to Employment and Skills Board on Final Draft Skills Strategy and Implementation Plan (Phase 1 and Phase 2 Activity) - Mid November 2017 Report & Presentation to Solent LEP Board for adoption - 8th December 2017

Publication of Skills Strategy and Implementation Plan and completion of commission - January 2018 One-Year on report - January 2019

The budget for this work is ?30,000 - ?35,000. While credit will be given to bids which are below this level, the LEP wishes to ensure that it achieves the best quality output for its money. Consequently, each bid will be evaluated taking into account the following factors (which are listed in order of importance). Method statements should be submitted for each of the following:

• a.Methodology to deliver the commission
• b.Proven experience of relevant work to include evidence of capacity to deliver this project within the timescale
• c.Demonstrable understanding of the Solent skills and economic landscapes, challenges and opportunities, the changing nature of skills requirements, and understanding of the emerging national skills policy framework.

Any tenders that come in above this amount will be scored as a fail. The fees for this work will be capped and inclusive of all expenses, but excluding VAT.

The form of contract used will be Portsmouth City Council's standard Consultancy Terms and Conditions.

Additional information: Is a Recurrent Procurement Type? : No