NTCA Flexible Procurement Agreement for Post 16 Skills Framework

The North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) is a partnership of three local authorities: Newcastle, North Tyneside, and Northumberland and has a directly-elected Metro Mayor.

Our vision is of a dynamic and more inclusive economy, one that brings together people and opportunities to create vibrant communities and a high quality of life, narrowing inequalities and ensuring that all residents have a stake in our region's future.

To support the NTCA’s vision, our region requires a skills infrastructure that is fully aware of, and responsive to, the sectors that have labour and skills shortages. It also needs to take into consideration planned economic growth, both now and in the future.

That is why we are determined—through devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB) and the other skills funding available to us—to tailor adult education and skills provision in the region so that residents and local businesses can secure the skills they need to succeed.

The Adult Education Budget (AEB) for the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA) was devolved to NTCA for delivery from 1st August 2020. Additional skills funding has been delegated from the Department of Education (DfE) to the NTCA. This funding comprises of 'Free Courses for Jobs' and 'Technical Bootcamp' funding.

NTCA also receive funding to deliver the Government's 'Multiply' programme - an adult numeracy maths focussed programme funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and in two years' time we will be commissioning the 'People and Skills' element of UKSPF. NTCA’s Investment Fund also support Skills Programmes and learning activities to support our wider projects and investments.

NTCA’s funding for Skills provides the opportunity to join up the regions skills and training offer, reduce duplication and make sure we are reaching those communities most disadvantaged. In order to achieve this, we are launching a Post 16 Flexible Procurement Framework and inviting a wide range of organisations and providers of skills including FE Colleges, independent training organisations, VCSE organisations and other stakeholders including employer providers to tender for a place on the Framework.

The Flexible Procurement Framework will be utilised to procure providers for devolved funding and other funding streams that NTCA has access to for Skills. We aim to secure packages of provision across 7 Lots that will include:

Lot 1: Devolved Adult Skills Fund (Adult Education Budget)

Lot 2: Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs

Lot 3: Skills Bootcamps

Lot 4: UKSPF People & Skills and Multiply

Lot 5: Skills for Growth

Lot 6: Place and Innovation

Lot 7: Skills Support for the Workforce

The estimated total value of the Flexible Procurement Framework (across Lots 1 to 7 inclusive) is £ £132m. This sum is calculated by £33m for the Term, £33m for a potential 1st 12-month extension, £33m for a potential 2nd 12-month extension and £33m for potential 3rd 12-month extension.

The £132m figure reflects the total value of this flexible procurement agreement (across Lots 1 to 7) that we may deploy because of this procurement competition including any possible contract extensions. The value of the flexible procurement agreement has been calculated to reflect the anticipated requirement for the Services as specified at this time. The overall value is in no way guaranteed and may vary in accordance with affordability, the Government’s overall spending priorities and requirements, and any other relevant factors.

Note: Whilst the Buyer in the Contact Details is listed as “North Tyneside Council”, this entry is system generated. For the avoidance of doubt, the Buyer in this case is the North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA). North Tyneside Council are conducting this procurement on NTCA’s behalf.

https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=2c69e97d-b861-ed11-811b-9f38301b3091&p=1c9e782c-541e-e611-8114-000c29c9ba21