Decision details

GMCA have run a lotted competitive process via the Education, Work and Skills Flexible Procurement System. In total, seven bids were received across five Lots – 3 in Lot 1: Advanced Digital Skills, 2 in Lot 2, 1 in Lot 3 and 1 in Lot 4. No bids were received for Lot 5: Manufacturing Technical Skills.

The bids received were evaluated in-line with the following criteria as stated in the original documentation:

• Quality Criteria – 70% weighting
Programme Content, Design and Delivery 20%
Evidence of Need 5%
Engagement and Stakeholder Management 10%
Mobilisation and Implementation 15%
Track Record and Quality 10%
Contract Performance Management and Monitoring 10%

• Financial Value for Money – 10%

• Social Value – 20% (10% Qualitative and 10% Quantitative)

• Pass/Fail Criteria
Information Governance
Safeguarding
Financial and Economic Standing
Price

All of the bids were sent to a full evaluation panel. Individual evaluations were undertaken on each of their Financial and Economic Standing, Information Governance and Safeguarding policies and procedures. Each of these was undertaken by a specialist from the relevant GMCA department.

A full evaluation panel individually scored the quality and financial value money section prior to moderation sessions being held.

Following evaluation and moderation, the bids were ranked in order of the overall percentage scores in each Lot. The provider identified in Lot 2 was ranked the highest ranking bidder and therefore was deemed to be the most economically advantageous tender. The bids in lots 3 and 4 both met the minimum scoring thresholds.

The aim of this programme is to offer tailored support to help people in employment to engage with the skills system, in order to gain qualifications, licences and / or skills. Provision should respond to skills gaps highlighted in the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and be flexible and responsive to the needs and aspirations of participants.

Previously commissioned Greater Manchester programmes for upskilling/reskilling employed individuals, such as GM Skills Bootcamps and the ESF Skills For Growth Programme have made significant progress against our priorities of responding to employer need and providing opportunities for residents to upskill/retrain into good jobs in growth industries. It is envisaged that this programme will continue to provide opportunities for employed residents to access fully funded training in some of the regions key sectors.
Following a competitive lotted procurement process using GMCA’s Education Work and Skills Flexible Procurement System, GMCA wishes to award the following three contracts:
Lot 2: Business Productivity Skills – Instep UK Ltd - £1,199,990

Lot 3: Public Services: Health and Social Care Skills – Acorn Training - £1,199,997

Lot 4: Construction Technical Skills – SB Skills Solutions Ltd - £1,000,000