Provision of Apprenticeship Training Services to the University of Birmingham (Dynamic Purchasing System)

The University of Birmingham is planning to recruit a number of apprentices over the next 5 years in support of the University strategy to develop local talent and support entry points into the University talent pipeline. In addition, the University will utilise apprenticeship training for existing staff where a role clearly meets the definition of an apprentice.

The University of Birmingham will look to sustainably optimise use of its apprenticeship levy (In excess of £1million per annum) to support genuine apprenticeships and career development for University employees.

The University of Birmingham is looking to engage training providers to deliver apprenticeship training in key areas. The successful suppliers will deliver apprenticeship training where training cannot be provided in house.

The tender process will follow the restricted procedure under the Public Procurement Regulations 2015 (PCR 2015). It is following the light-touch regime permitted under Regulations 74 to 77 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

The University intends to implement a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to deliver these requirements. This requires the release of procurement documents at the same time as publication of the OJEU notice which comprise the following:

o Dynamic Purchasing System Instructions

o Supplier's Questionnaire (SQ) - must be completed and returned

o UoB Terms and Conditions

Establishing a DPS with multiple suppliers will help to create an environment which encourages fair competition, allowing suppliers to join at any time and choose whether to compete for all or any of the services under the DPS.

The DPS will remain open to allow new suppliers, previously rejected suppliers, to apply for admittance to the DPS at any point throughout its five (5) years' duration.

The University reserves the right at its absolute and sole discretion not to proceed with a Contract Award and end the process at any stage if it wishes to do so.