Education and training services

Tender description

The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is to notify the market of the Department for Education's (DfE) intention to undertake a procurement exercise for Round 2 of the Teaching and Leadership Innovation Fund (TLIF) in Winter 2017/18. Prior to the procurement, the DfE will be undertaking a range of market engagement activity for interested providers to learn more about the fund, network with other providers, and input into the development of the approach to Round 2. Contracts are offered for programmes to improve the provision of teachers' continuing professional development (CPD) and Leadership Development, focussing on the areas of the country with the greatest identified need. The Secretary of State for Education announced TLIF in October 2016. See Contracts Finder for a full description — https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26823817-eadb-4628-bc3a-6f98309b22a5 Supplier Events are planned to take place during the autumn term in Manchester, London and online for interested organisations to gain a better understanding of the TLIF scheme. See Contracts Finder https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26823817-eadb-4628-bc3a-6f98309b22a5 for further information. Indicative key dates for procurement activity: The DfE intends to utilise the Restricted Procedure, as per Regulation 28 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015. More information on the procurement process will be provided during the market engagement activity. The Restricted Procedure is a 2 stage process based on the following indicative timescales: — Pre-Qualification Stage — January 2018 — Invitation to Tender Stage — March 2018 — Contract Award — July 2018 — Contract Start Date — September 2018 Please note: these timescales are indicative and are subject to change at DfE's absolute discretion. The DfE will be administering the procurement process electronically via the DfE e-Procurement Solution portal; Bravo Solution. No hard copy documents will be issued and all communications with DfE (including final submission of tenders) will be conducted via the Bravo Solution Portal. Bidders who are not already registered on the portal can register here: https://education.bravosolution.co.uk For any assistance required in registering bidders should contact the Bravo helpdesk: help@bravosolution.co.uk.