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 ro receive inviations to tender from the LSC.
The deadline to apply to pre-qualify for our January 2009 tendering round has now passed. Providers can still apply to pre-qualify to be eligible to receive invitations to tender in subsequent tendering rounds run by the LSC.
Existing providers who 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.
If you would like to apply to pre-qualify:
General information on the Qualified Provider Framework
If you are a provider that wishes to leave feedback on the process for pre-qualifying, please email procurement4@lsc.gov.uk
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
