Education and training services

Tender description

Introduction The Army Recruiting and Training Division (ARTD) is considering options for the future delivery of training design and training delivery activities on behalf of DEMS Training Regiment. These options are exploring an alternative approach to design and delivery of specialist training in order to meet the current and future training requirements of the UK Government. We are issuing this PIN to commence a process aimed at obtaining the views of the market of the viability of the options under consideration (‘soft market testing’). In issuing this PIN and engaging with the market, we are not committing to carry out any procurement in relation to the options being explored. Indeed, the soft market testing may indicate to us that none of the options being considered are suitable for further exploration. Non-participation in this soft market testing exercise will not be taken into account in any future procurement activity. Background. DEMS Training Regiment provides training in Explosives Safety & Husbandry, Ammunition Technical Support, EOD and C-IED to UK Armed Forces. High Risk Search is taught to Regular and Reserve members of the Royal Engineers and the UK's national police. We have identified that improved efficiency, effectiveness and agility in training design and delivery could be achieved through bringing in contractor support to help deliver the required outcomes. We expect that improving efficiency and effectiveness across the training establishment will include provision of modern and innovative training techniques, including an increase in digital delivery. Ultimately we are seeking greater student throughput and success with fewer resources. Project DEMS also seeks to achieve agility and flexibility to respond to the changing demands of its customers by; — responsively increasing and decreasing the flow of trainees through the training pipeline, — responsively adapting training to meet changes in threat and regulations. We now wish to explore the appetite of the private sector market to assist us. Responses will inform our ‘Best Value For Money’ considerations and the feasibility of continuing with the Project. Scope of Options. We have identified a number of training delivery and training design functions to which alternative delivery models could be applied. These functions are: 1. A Training Consultancy and advice function inc Training Techniques, Training Methods and the application of new technologies. 2. A Training Design function inc review & production of training content, digitisation, simulation assessment strategy, assessment specification, instructional specification and preparation of formal training statements. 3. A Training Delivery function which includes a student and delivery assessment function. Separately, we are also considering Industry involvement with the Training Support function, including; training management & administration, stores & accommodation support, transport and equipment support. The aim of this soft market testing is to: 1. Identify if a viable market exists for the provision of the functions at the identified locations (Bicester and Kineton). 2. Identify the most suitable ways for delivering the identified functions at those locations when considering that market. 3. Identify the most suitable structure for commercial arrangement(s) and duration(s) to maximise the realisation of benefits 4. Identify challenges and risks that both ARTD and the market would face in implementation of options. Soft Market Testing Process. The soft market testing will use a questionnaire based approach. We will invite you to record your views in a structured manner which best enables us to analyse responses and draw meaningful conclusions. If you wish to take part in this soft market testing exercise, please express your interest to the listed point of contact, providing your full company name, registration number and company website address. We will then forward details on how to access and complete the questionnaire. We are particularly interested in seeking views from organisations with expertise in any of the following areas: — Modernisation/Digital/simulation transformation of training and efficiencies arising. — Training Design services, including applying and monitoring standards. — Training delivery services in this specialised field. To support you in completing the questionnaire, we will hold an industry event at DEMS Trg Regt. This event will provide background, context and will detail our requirements and expectations. It will will also provide an opportunity to answer any clarification questions which you may have. Please note that we will not answer questions which we consider to be out of scope. Details of the industry event will be included in the questionnaire. This soft market exercise is not, either in totality or in part, an invitation for participants to generate or submit a tender for business to the Authority. Nor should it be used as a basis to attempt to engage the ARTD in dialogue outside of the questionnaire. Outline timetable: — If you wish to be sent the link to the soft market testing process, you will need to contact the Contracting Authority by 9.3.2016. — By 11.3.2016, We will invite respondents to participate in an industry event taking place on 14.3.2016 at DEMS Trg Regt at Bicester — If you wish to be included in the soft market testing process will need to complete the questionnaire and return it to us by Close of Business on 1.4.2016 We will then analyse the results of the exercise. If required, we reserve the right to contact you to clarify your responses further. We will not be liable to reimburse any costs incurred by anyone who respond to this PIN and/or Soft Market Testing.