Decision details

GMCA have run a competitive process. In total 36 bids were received across all 4 lots from 31 providers, with 12 in lot one, 7 in lot two, 2 in lot three and 15 in lot 4.

Each bid was sent to a full evaluation panel. GMCA’s Information Governance Team also reviewed each provider’s IG submission to ensure that they were acceptable, and the finances of the bidding company were also checked.

The mini-competition comprised of 2 parts, covering (80%) Quality, (20%) Social Value via the Social Value Portal. The Quality selection process involved evaluating the bidders’ responses on a number of criteria including:
- Evidence of Need
- Programme Content, Design, & Delivery
- Employer Engagement
- Learner Engagement
- Track Record
- Quality & Performance Management
- Financial Value for Money

Following evaluation, the bidders were ranked based on their total score. Contracts will be awarded to the bidders listed above. As there is a limited budget for each lot, GMCA will award contracts up until the point funding is exhausted for that lot.

Following a competitive procurement process using GMCA’s Education Work and Skills Flexible Procurement System, GMCA wishes to award the following contracts:
Lot 1: Skills Bootcamps: Digital, Technology, & Creative Sectors (£2m budget)
IN4.0 Group - £840,000
The Growth Company - £660,000
We Are Digital - £500,000
Lot 2: Skills Bootcamps: Construction Sector & Economy (£1.5m budget)
Groundwork MSSTT - £176,926
Mantra Learning Ltd – £535,584
SB Skills Solutions Ltd – £499,770
The Growth Company – £287,720
Lot 3: Skills Bootcamps - Manufacturing & Engineering Sectors (£0.5m budget)
Rochdale Training – £266,000
Salford City College - £234,000
Lot 4: Skills Bootcamps – Other Sectors including; Logistics, Education, Health, & Social Care, Hospitality, Leisure, & Tourism (£2m budget)
Barfection – £230,112
Hopwood Hall College – £262,250
Realise Learning and Employment – £499,520
Rochdale Training – £250,000
The Growth Company – £396,678
Think Employment Ltd – £361,440

Skills Bootcamps are funded by the Department for Education (DfE) as part of the National Skills Fund, which aims to help business find and hire the workers they need as well as supporting adults to flourish and fulfil their potential through high quality training. GMCA has received £7m of grant funding from DfE to support c2100 residents to undertake skills bootcamps in key sectors with a focus on addressing local priorities.

Contracts will start in the 23-24 financial year initially running until the end of March 24 with the option to extend on a 1+1 basis subject to GMCA receiving further funding.