Apprentice Training Framework - Professional Services

Transport for London (TfL) invite suppliers to tender for a maximum of 4 years (on a 2+1+1 basis) for multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of Apprentice Training - Professional Services. This service is for the delivery of the new Apprenticeship standards which TfL will be offering from September 2017 onwards, this will include but is not limited to the services within each lot below: Lot 1 Project Management (Entry - Professional Level; Lot 2 Procurement (Entry - Professional Level); Lot 3 Business Administration (Entry - Professional Level); Lot 4 Finance (Entry - Professional Level); Lot 5 HR (Entry - Professional Level); Lot 6 Transport Planning (Entry - Professional Level); Lot 7 Customer Service (Level 2+).

The Framework Agreement will have a duration of 2 years plus an optional 1+1 year extension (2+1+1) to a maximum of 4 years. The framework agreement does not guarantee any value or volume of work/services.

Any Services will be called-off as and when required subject to the Service Provider's performance and budget approvals. The Call-off Contract for this Framework will be issued for each annual intake.

The selected Provider will have access to government funding and will have applied to be on the Register of Apprenticeship Training. Bidders may submit a tender for one or more lots.

Each lot will be awarded to the highest scoring bidders with a target of 3+ suppliers per lot for this initial phase and a target of 2 suppliers per lot for each occasion. This Framework Agreement is being let under the "Light Touch Regime" set out in Regulations 74 to 77 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015).

Under the Light Touch Regime, Authorities have flexibility as to the process or procedure to be used when purchasing certain services, including the training services to be procured under this Invitation to Tender. In this instance, TfL and the GLA Functional Bodies wish to establish a Framework Agreement with multiple suppliers that will set out the terms and conditions for making specific purchases (call-offs) under the relevant lots.

The Framework Agreement differs from those not let under the Light Touch Regime in that the Authority, exercising its flexibility in accordance with the PCR 2015, may elect in its absolute discretion (but is not required to) periodically open the Framework to new, additional suppliers per lot - details can be found in the tender documents. Additional information: TfL is conducting this procurement process on behalf of the TfL Group, Crossrail and The Greater London Authority (GLA) and the GLA Functional Bodies whose members are as follows: The London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC) • Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) • The Metropolitan Police Services (MPS) • The London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) • Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC).

The process will be conducted via TfL's e-tendering Portal. All interested suppliers must express their interest as soon as possible via the TfL's e-tendering Portal as the deadline for tender submissions is 12 Noon on 03rd April 2017.

Part One will include pass/fail questions and one scored (weighted) question which will determine your suitability to bid for this work. In Part Two we will evaluate your approach and methodology to deliver this contract.

The Framework lots will be awarded to the Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) based on 100% Technical Criteria only. A detailed explanation of how lots will be awarded is provided below: Lot Specific Technical Evaluation Methodology - Criteria Weighting (%): Methodology / Capability - 25.00%; Collaborate - 10.00%; Resources - 10.00%; Value for Money - 10.00%; Generic Monitoring and Evaluation - 20.00%; Assessment and Facilitation - 10.00%; Contract Management - 10.00%; Subcontractors - 5.00%; Total - 100.00%.

Please note that that bidders are not required to submit a financial proposal for the contract (s) they are bidding for but instead must respond to the value for money question in the technical submission. This procurement is being conducted in accordance with TfL's drive to deliver best value whilst meeting its own requirements.

At the end of this procurement process, TfL may choose to award a framework agreement. Any framework or call-off contract, which TfL awards, will be to the supplier who submitted the most economically advantageous tender.

TfL also reserves the right, at any point and without notice, to discontinue the procurement process without awarding a contract, whether such discontinuance is related to the content of tenders or otherwise. In such circumstances, TfL will not reimburse any expenses incurred by any person in the consideration of and / or response to this document.

You make all tenders, proposals and submissions relating to this ITT entirely at your own risk. Please note the OJEU Contract Notice for this procurement is: 2017/S 046-0