CCZP17A16 - Communication Fast Stream Qualification

The Cabinet Office's Government Communication Service (GCS) requires the assistance of a Chartered Body to design, develop and deliver an accredited qualification for The Civil Service Fast Stream programme.

The Civil Service Fast Stream is an established 4-year programme aimed at recruiting and developing the next generation of leaders. In 2015 the Authority launched a communications Fast Stream that follows the 4-year programme and focuses on communications and leadership skills. At the end of the 4 years, participants are expected to reach senior management level.

To progress the Fast Stream (FS) programme, the Authority is looking to provide a professional qualification awarded by a chartered body, for students in their third year. The majority of specialist Fast Stream schemes have a qualification or accreditation built in, for example, Finance, HR and Project Delivery. Developing a communications FS qualification would ensure consistency with other professions. Developing professional leaders is part of the wider Civil Service strategy to improve standards across all functions.

More information can be found in the attached Invitation to Tender pack.

Additional information: How to apply Instructions to Potential Providers:

Potential Providers must first be registered on the Crown Commercial Service e-Sourcing Suite in order to respond to the Procurement. If you have not yet registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, this can be done online at https://gpsesourcing.cabinetoffice.gov.uk by following the link 'Register for CCS e-Sourcing'.

Please note that, to register, you must have a valid DUNS number (as provided by Dun and Bradstreet) for the organisation which you are registering, who will be entering into a contract if invited to do so at the Invitation to Tender stage. Potential Providers should note that it could take up to 10 working days to obtain a DUNS number.

Full instructions for registration and use of the system can be found at:

http://gps.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/i-am-supplier/respond-tender

Once you have registered on the e-Sourcing Suite, you will need to express your interest by emailing ExpressionOfInterest@Crowncommercial.gov.uk [The dead line for expressing an interest in the Request for Information event is [insert time, day and date (DD/MM/YYYY)]] [Delete if not applicable (ie Open competitions)]

Your email must clearly state:

• name/reference of this procurement
• the name of the registered supplier; and
• the name and contact details

Crown Commercial Service will then process your registration and assign your organisation to the opportunity. The registered user will receive a notification email to alert them once this has been done.

It is advised however that Potential Providers register as soon as practically possible in order to receive the Invitation to Tender and have a sufficient amount of time to respond. Crown Commercial Service is not able to offer any extensions to the advertised procurement timetable.

For technical assistance on use of the e-Sourcing Suite please contact the Helpdesk:

Freephone: 0345 010 3503

Email: supplier@Crowncommercial.gov.uk