STEP Transition Support · UK public procurement notice

UKFE requires short-term embedded support for its People Team during a critical period of programme mobilisation, partner onboarding and organisational growth. The requirement is specifically to implement and embed programme-specific integration and organisational capability products that have already been developed, ensuring they are consistently applied across UKFE and its strategic delivery partners during mobilisation.

When the previous contract was awarded, the expectation was that implementation of these products would be undertaken by permanent UKFE staff. However, due to changing programme circumstances, specifically the accelerating pace of delivery and the increased scope associated with Tranche 2a, there is now an enduring requirement for continued specialist support to implement the programme-specific work that Oaklin has already completed.

While Oaklin has previously supported STEP's operating model and ways-of-working programme, the earlier procurement was principally concerned with the design, development and initial deployment of training materials required to support implementation of the STEP Target Operating Model, including associated learning content, and ways-of-working frameworks. This work included the development of STEP-specific onboarding, operating model and capability products that now form part of the programme's established approach.

The current requirement, rather than focusing on the creation of new products or frameworks, is focused on the operational implementation, rollout, embedding, adoption and sustainment of capabilities that have already been developed. It is intended to provide immediate delivery capacity within the People Team to support programme growth, workforce integration, partner mobilisation and the consistent application of established STEP ways of working. The requirement is therefore materially different from the previous procurement, with the emphasis now on implementation rather than design.

The requirement has arisen as STEP transitions from operating model development into large-scale operational mobilisation, including increasing onboarding volumes, mobilisation of key delivery partners, workforce integration activity and the implementation of previously developed training and organisational capability products. When the previous award was made the expectation was that delivery would be undertaken by permanent staff. Due to changing circumstances, specifically accelerating programme pace and growth in the scope of Tranche 2a, there is an enduring requirement for continued support specifically to implement the work that Oaklin have already completed.

Oaklin has been identified as the preferred supplier due to its existing understanding of STEP ways of working, familiarity with capability products and operating model outputs developed during earlier phases of the programme, and ability to provide immediate support during a period of significant programme growth. Oaklin possesses programme-specific knowledge of onboarding approaches, capability products, training materials and operating model artefacts that UKFE now wishes to implement and embed at scale. Oaklin also possesses detailed knowledge of the design intent behind these products, enabling immediate implementation without a period of rediscovery or redevelopment.

It is understood that appointing an alternative supplier would require additional programme familiarisation, knowledge transfer and onboarding activity and risk losing continuity of implementation at a critical stage of programme delivery. A replacement supplier would be required to develop an understanding of existing STEP methodologies, products, training materials, onboarding approaches and programme-specific ways of working before implementation could commence effectively. This would create a risk of delay, reduced continuity and additional pressure on the existing People Team during a critical mobilisation period.

The proposed engagement is intended to provide temporary delivery capacity while recruitment to the permanent People Team structure continues. Responsibility for activities will transition to permanent UKFE resources as recruitment progresses, reducing reliance on external support over time. The engagement is therefore time-limited and focused on ensuring successful implementation and transition of existing programme-specific products into business-as-usual delivery.