Defence Commercial Higher Apprenticeship Programme (Level 4) Training

Companies are invited to tender for a Contract for the provision of academic, vocational training and support for the Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme based at DE&S, MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol. Background The Defence Commercial Apprenticeship Programme (DCAP) exists to train apprentices over an 18-20 month programme involving the attainment of qualifications typical of a Public Sector Commercial Level 4 apprenticeship aligned to the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).

It includes training, assessment and multiple department placements in a working environment assisting experienced commercial officers operating within MOD Project / Delivery Teams and Operating Centres. The on the job training is predominantly based at MoD Abbey Wood, Bristol.

For 2017 the intention is to recruit up to 15 apprentices and to be based at DE&S HQ Abbey Wood. The Apprentices shall be limited term employees of the MOD, DE&S.

Description of Work A Contractor is required to provide a service to deliver academic and vocational training (see below for specific qualifications), to support and contribute towards the management of Apprentices throughout their 18-20 month period of training. Key services will include the Contractor's expert verification and moderation of apprentices training efforts and achievements.

This will include but not be limited to formally verifying individual Apprentice learning logs, conducting in-year and end-point assessments, monitoring progress and providing guidance. The contractor will be expected to work with the authority to adopt the new Pulic Sector Commercial Professional Standard Level 4 which comprises, but is not limited to: CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 4) Training and tuition for the above qualification must take place within a 5 mile radius of MOD Abbey Wood, Filton, Bristol whether in temporary or permanent facilities.

End-point assessments will be conducted at Abbey Wood, where practicable. The contractor is to deal with all of the administration associated with the draw down of any Government subsidies such as the Skills Funding Agency (SFA) Government Levy funding.

And/or Work with the authority in the transfer to any new funding arrangements that may be imposed by future government regulation or legislation. Timescales The Contract duration is expected to be from July 2017 until 31st July 2019.

Pricing Firm prices are sought for all work under the Contract. Companies wishing to tender should be aware that it is anticipated that the programme can be delivered within the (SFA) maximum core government contribution for it's banding.

Additional information: Companies wishing to bid for this competitive tender opportunity will need to download these attached documents for completion and submission to the MOD Abbey Wood Tender Board by the due date given in the corresponding MOD DCO Bulletin advertisement dated 19/05/2017, reference DTEC/277. Full instructions on how to respond to the Invitation to Tender are given in the advertisement.