Training Services for Adults (Open Framework)

Lancashire Combined County AuthoritycontractFind a TenderRef ocds-h6vhtk-058b43Procurement Act 2023Light-touch servicesSME suitableVCSE suitableclosed for bids
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Estimated value

services

Awarded value

Suppliers

0

Lots

12

0 awarded

Published

30 Oct 2025

Deadline 24 Nov 2025

Description

You are invited to submit an application for inclusion on an Open Framework for the provision of training services for adults. 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 1 Adult Skills Fund Lot 1A Skills for Life Lot 1B Skills for Growth • Lot 2 Skills Bootcamps 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. Full details of the requirements are provided within the tender documents. 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.

Scope

Reference
DN796031
Total value
£180,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Commercial tool
Standalone contract
Contract dates
03 Mar 2026 to 02 Mar 2029
Possible 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.

Main category
services
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.

NameDescriptionTypeWeighting
Qualityquality100.00%

Submission & procedure

Enquiry deadline
17 Nov 2025, 11:59 pm
Submission deadline
24 Nov 2025, 11:59 pm
Submission address
All tenders must be submitted electronically via The Chest (https://www.the-chest.org.uk/index.html ). The tender advert and all documentation can be found on The Chest here: https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=9396ee55-a9b5-f011-813a-005056b64545
Electronic submission
Yes
Procedure
Open procedure

Lots · 12 total

Divisions of the contract. Each lot can be awarded separately.

View all →
LotTitleEst. valueStatus
1Skills for Lifeactive
1BSkills for Growthactive
2AHealth, Public Services and Careactive
2BEngineering and Manufacturingactive
2CConstruction and the Build Environmentactive