Training Services for Adults
Estimated value
—
Awarded value
—
Suppliers
541
Lots
12
Published
03 Mar 2026
Description
The Contracting Authority is conducting this procurement under the Procurement Act 2023, following an open tender procedure in accordance with the Light Touch Regime and the publication of the relevant Find a Tender Service (FTS) notice. The objective is to establish an Open Framework of Training Service Providers from which the Contracting Authority may enter into individual call-off agreements, either through further competition or direct award, as required to support the delivery of its adult skills and education priorities across Lancashire, Blackburn and Blackpool. The Contracting Authority initially intends to establish three main lots under the Framework, divided into sub-lots as follows: Lot 1A Skills for Life Lot 1B Skills for Growth Lot 2A Health, Public Services and Care Lot 2B Engineering and Manufacturing Lot 2C Construction and the Built Environment Lot 2D Digital Technology Lot 2E Transport & Logistics Lot 2F Creative and Design Lot 2G Sales, Marketing and Procurement Lot 2H Pathway to Accelerated Apprenticeships Lot 2I Other Lot 3 Future Funding Training & Skills Provision There is no limit to the number of Providers that may be appointed to the Framework or to each Lot, provided that each Provider can demonstrate compliance with all requirements as set out in the tender documentation. Providers may apply for one or more Lots, and there is no maximum number of Lots for which applications may be submitted. In addition to the Contracting Authority, the Framework will also be available for use by each of the Constituent Authorities; Blackburn with Darwen Council, Blackpool Borough Council, and Lancashire County Council, should they have individual requirements that fall within the scope of this Framework. A full description of the Contracting Authority's requirements is set out in the Service Specifications for each Lot, which can be found in the tender document appendices B1, B2, and B3. Providers should note that a place on the Framework does not guarantee the award of any contract for service. Framework contract value is an estimate and may be subject to revision throughout the duration of the contract, subject to compliance with procurement legislation. All timescales provided within the notice are indicative and may be subject to change. Please refer to UK04 notice for a description of risks regarding changes that may be required as a result of Local Government Reform.
Scope
- Reference
- DN796031
- Commercial tool
- Standalone contract
- Contract dates
- 03 Mar 2026 to 02 Mar 2029Possible extension to 02 Mar 2034
The contracting authority intends to establish an open framework, under the light touch provisions of PA23. The Framework will operate in accordance with schedule 10 of the Framework Agreement (see tender documents appendix A - Framework Terms and Conditions) The Contracting Authority intends for the initial framework ("Framework 1") to remain in place for up to 3 years, with a reopening planned for autumn 2029 to establish "Framework 2." It is anticipated that the framework will be reopened at least once more before its conclusion, thereby establishing "Framework 3." The Contracting Authority reserves the right to reopen the framework as often as necessary to meet service requirements. However, at the time of this publication, it is intended that the framework will be opened at least twice during its duration. The open framework, including all schemes established under it, is expected to operate for up to 8 years, from 2026 until 2034.
- CPV classifications
- 80000000
- 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.
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | — | quality | 100.00% |
Submission & procedure
- Procedure
- Open procedure
Award details· 12 awards
Awarded supplier(s), contract period and value as published in the award notice.
Awarded value
—
Award date
25 Feb 2026
Contract start
23 Mar 2026
Contract end
22 Mar 2029
Lots · 12 total
Divisions of the contract. Each lot can be awarded separately.
| Lot | Title | Est. value | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Skills for Life | — | complete |
| 1B | Skills for Growth | — | complete |
| 2A | Health, Public Services and Care | — | complete |
| 2B | Engineering and Manufacturing | — | complete |
| 2C | Construction and the Build Environment | — | complete |