Cumbria Connect to Work (CtW) Programme

Cumberland CouncilcontractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-055984Procurement Act 2023Light-touch servicesSME suitableVCSE suitableclosed for bids
View buyer

Estimated value

£9.9m

services

Awarded value

Suppliers

0

Lots

1

0 awarded

Published

28 Aug 2025

Deadline 29 Sept 2025

Description

A Cumbria Connect to Work (CtW) Programme is being procured to cover the Cumberland Council and Westmorland and Furness Council areas. Cumberland Council is leading on the procurement and is also the Accountable Body for this programme. The Councils are seeking, through the CtW programme, to break down barriers to employment and provide sustainable job opportunities for individuals with complex needs. The council proposes to enter into the contract from the 27th October 2025 with the successful tenderer. The initial contract period is from 27th October 2025 - 31st March 2028. The contract end date of 31st March 2030 is the date the contract will end if both of the potential 12 months extensions are used. Use of these extensions is at the absolute discretion of the council. Any extensions will be confirmed with the successful supplier if implemented. The highest estimated value is £9,883,966 excluding VAT. This is for the initial term and the two potential 12 months extension periods. For further details and to access the tender documents, including the service specification, please use our online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk. You must be registered on The Chest. Registration is free. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT). Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.

Scope

Reference
ocds-h6vhtk-055984
Total value
£9,883,966 excluding VAT
£11,860,759 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
27 Oct 2025 to 31 Mar 2028
Possible extension to 31 Mar 2030

There is the potential for two contract extensions of up to 12 months each, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding.

Main category
services
CPV classifications
75110000
75131000
75200000
79600000
80400000
80500000
98200000
Contract locations
North West England, United Kingdom
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Award criteria

Criteria the buyer will use to evaluate bids.

NameDescriptionTypeWeighting
Qualityquality85.00%
Social Valuequality10.00%
Priceprice5.00%

Submission & procedure

Enquiry deadline
16 Sept 2025, 4:00 pm
Submission deadline
29 Sept 2025, 9:00 am
Submission address
https://www.the-chest.org.uk
Electronic submission
Yes
Procedure
Open procedure