Skills for Growth Open Light Touch Framework
Estimated value
—
Awarded value
—
Suppliers
0
Lots
3
Published
17 Feb 2026
This is a preliminary market engagement notice
Map the supplier landscape and document your shortlist before opening the tender. The market simulation produces a defensible audit record you can attach to your procurement file.
Description
Devon County Council (DCC) intends to establish an Open Framework for commissioning the delivery of high-quality skills provision services. The Framework will support the delivery of programmes funded through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF), Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ), Skills Bootcamps, and other future skills initiatives aligned with local and national workforce needs. The Framework will be divided into Lots based on the different programme types. The purpose of the Framework is to enable flexible and responsive skills provision that supports adults to develop the skills needed for sustainable employment and career progression, while also meeting employer demand and contributing to economic growth. DCC may initiate Call-Offs from both Lot 1 - ASF and FCFJ and Lot 2 Skills Bootcamps for Wave 7 Skills Bootcamp following the appointment of Providers to the Framework. DCC anticipates holding a Tender Launch Event via Microsoft Teams, shortly after the Invitation to Tender(ITT) is published. Details and access instructions will be included in the ITT documentation once published. This notice is not a call for competition. Its purpose is solely to inform the market of the upcoming opportunity. The publication of this notice does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Authority to undertake any procurement exercise. Full and final details regarding this opportunity will be provided in the Tender Notice and ITT once published.
Scope
- Reference
- CP2753-25
- Total value
- £120,000,000 including VATAbove the relevant threshold
- Commercial tool
- Standalone contract
- Contract dates
- 08 Jul 2026 to 08 Jul 2029Possible extension to 08 Jul 2031
There is an option to extend for a further 2 years.
- Main category
- services
- CPV classifications
- 80300000804000008050000098000000
- Contract locations
- South 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
- Enquiry deadline
- 27 Mar 2026, 12:00 pm
- Submission deadline
- 08 Apr 2026, 11:00 am
- Submission address
- Tenders must be submitted via https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
- Electronic submission
- Yes
- Procedure
- Open procedure
Lots · 3 total
Divisions of the contract. Each lot can be awarded separately.
| Lot | Title | Est. value | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adult Skills Fund(ASF) and Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ) | — | planned |
| 2 | Skills Bootcamp | £35.0m | planned |
| 3 | Future Skills Projects | — | planned |