Qualified Provider Framework
What is the Qualified Provider Framework?
As of 31st October 2008, the LSC has opened a Qualified Provider Framework (QPF) for providers of education and training services. The Qualified Provider Framework is a maintained list of all providers from which the LSC will secure education and training services. This list will incorporate those providers with whom the LSC will negotiate and/or invite to tender.
The Qualified Provider Framework will streamline the way the LSC commissions and contracts for provision and will remove barriers for new providers wishing to work with the LSC. Providers that wish to be eligible to receive invitations to tender can apply to be pre-qualified at any time during the year. This ‘always open’ approach will allow providers to apply at a time convenient to them and which suits their business need.
When the LSC identifies a need to tender for provision, it will temporarily freeze the list to new applicants in order for the tendering process to begin. The dates that the list will be frozen will be published well in advance; ensuring providers have sufficient opportunity to apply to pre-qualify.
How do providers ensure they are on the Qualified Provider Framework?
The details of all existing LSC providers are on the Qualified Provider Framework. Providers only need to take action if they wish to receive invitations to tender from the LSC.
Providers that would like to be invited to the next round of tenders to be issued by the LSC and who have not already qualified on the QPF must submit their completed ‘Complete Me First’ and ‘Type 2 Prequalification’ documents. These applications will then be evaluated and successful providers will be invited to tender in future tendering rounds.
Please note that existing providers that have no interest in receiving invitations to tender for new programmes do not need to take action. The LSC will continue to negotiate existing contracted programmes with these providers.
Providers that have already applied to the QPF and been advised that they are successful do not need to take any action until either the annual anniversary of their application or new information is available in respect of their Financial Accounts, OfSted grades or any significant changes to their Business Standing.
Current tendering opportunities
Seven LSC regions are tendering for the Regional Apprentice Redeployment Support Programme. For more information please download the following document:
The deadline to submit a PQQ response is
21st May 2009 at 4pm.
If you would like to apply to pre-qualify on the QPF:
General information on the Qualified Provider Framework
Important note regarding Train to Gain in-year responsive applications
The LSC is now in the process of completing the agreement and allocation of contracts with providers as part of the 2008-09 Business Cycle. We expect to confirm final maximum contract values with new and existing providers during April. All new providers wishing to apply to receive LSC funding are asked to note this position. The LSC has also contracted for all of the available funds currently available through its in year responsive programme.
If you are applying to the LSC through the Regional Responsive process, the Type 1 PQQ, then please be aware that your application will be kept on record and reviewed when a gap in the supply of provision is identified or more provision to meet immediate employer demand is needed. We will notify you in advance when these circumstances arise.
If you already hold an LSC contract for Train to Gain or Apprenticeships then you should be aware that you are not required to use the Type 1 process. As an existing provider any additional demand that is identified should be discussed as part of the normal contract management arrangements with the LSC.
Feedback and review
If you are a provider that wishes to leave feedback on the process for pre-qualifying, please email procurement4@lsc.gov.uk
If you are a provider that is dissatisfied with the outcome of your submission to the QPF, you can request a review. Download the review process.
Frequently asked questions about e-tendering (2008/09 tendering round)
Every week we will look through all the questions that we have received about the e-tendering process and publish answers to those that are asked frequently or that we think you may find useful - click here for these
