Innovative, Value-Adding VLE System(s) and Associated Services

 This Framework Agreement was procured via the Open Procedure tendering process and advertised on Public Contracts Scotland (PCS) and in the OJEU contract notice: 71348867­7008­4c56­be12­c8dbfbd9c907.  

The agreement covers the purchase of Innovative VLE System(s) and Associated Services. The framework is broken down per lot as provided below: 

 Lot 1 - Proprietary VLE 

Lot 2 – Moodle VLE Services 

 A pre-competed and compliant route to market providing a vehicle to centralise procurement spend and procurement administrative costs and efforts with robust Pre-defined and agreed Terms and Conditions. 

Mitigation of procurement risk surrounding Procurement Regulations 

Flexibility for Institutions to determine specific requirements at Call-off Contract in line with the Framework Agreement specification to ensure value for money is being achieved. 

Responsible procurement activity is embedded where relevant and appropriate. 

Reporting of relevant management information. 

Appropriate contract management of suppliers where issues can be escalated. 

A strong working relationship between Institutions and the appointed Contractor(s) 

Time saving, members can use the framework rather than completing a full tender process. 

Ceiling rates/maximum pricing defined and agreed for the duration of the Framework Agreement. This pricing can be reduced further at time of mini competition or through using the Desktop Calculator. 

The ability for Institutions to utilise the framework agreement for renewals and reviews of the market, including a capable mix of Contractors. 

Flexible Call-Off mechanisms that will allow Institutions to renew contracts or to assist with competitions for system migrations. 

Direct Call-Off option available which provides institutions with an easy to use and compliant route to market. 

Option of a desktop calculator to allow institutions review and adjust the award criteria weightings in line with the Institution’s requirement. 

Effective reporting mechanism to obtain accurate, timely and relevant management information. 

Accessibility to institutions throughout the UK with the inclusion of additional consortia 

Responsible procurement activity is embedded where relevant and appropriate 

1. Using this framework supports our Giving Back initiative. Our charity's focus is on SEND, wellbeing and absenteeism

Call-off from this Framework Agreement is by means of Ranking / Desktop Evaluation / Mini-Competition: 

Option One – Ranked Direct Award 

 Institutions are required to contract directly with the first ranked Contractor (unless the first ranked Contractor confirms that they do not have capacity to undertake the work; or cannot respond within the required timescales as detailed in the Specification of Requirements; or there are other relevant issues such as conflict of interest, in which case the second ranked Contractor should be appointed). If the second ranked Contractor cannot meet the need (by reason of issues detailed above), the third ranked Contractor should be approached and so on. 

The award of a contract will take place after the Institution has discussed its specific requirements with the Contractor and an agreement has been reached as to timescales, methodology/approach, specific service requirements and key milestones and performance indicators to be met.  The Standard Terms and Conditions of any Call-off Contract shall be as those stated in the Framework Agreement and only minor points can be re-negotiated with the consent of the Contractor and the Institution such as Payment Terms.  

You can contract with the Contractor for appropriate ad hoc requirements and also for longer term arrangements.  There is no restriction on the length of a call off as long as it is reasonable.  This call-off contract can extend past the duration of the Framework Agreement - in this instance you should ensure that the spend is still reported to APUC.  

Option Two - Desktop Evaluation 

Institutions wishing to undertake a desktop evaluation may do so.  All the Contractors appointed to the Lot must be included, unless a Contractor has stated they are unable to meet the Institution’s individual requirements. 

The original Framework Agreement evaluation scores for technical criteria must be applied. Award Criteria and Sub-criteria weightings may be altered for both Technical and Commercial percentages in line with the Institution’s requirement, but these should be reasonable and justifiable. Both Technical and Commercial sub criteria must be used, and the overall weighting must still be equal to 100%. Any sub criteria can be adjusted, and any sub criteria deemed as not relevant to the Institution’s requirements may be moved to zero percent. Where the published Framework Agreement Commercial pricing model is not deemed to be a direct match to the Institution’s requirements then the institution may seek revised pricing. All Contractors appointed to the relevant lot must be contacted for specific pricing. 

Option Three – Further/Mini Competition 

Institutions wishing to undertake a mini competition within a particular lot may do so.  All the Contractor(s) appointed to the relevant lot must be invited to submit responses to the Institution’s mini-competition tender document. 

The original Framework Agreement evaluation criteria should be applied in the mini-competition tender document, though some of the criteria may be removed or weightings amended if deemed irrelevant to the Institutions requirements.  As this is a Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) Framework Agreement, both technical and commercial evaluation criteria must be used in a mini-competition tender process. 

Important Procurement Act 2023 requirement

It is very important for CPC members to register on the new Find a Tender Service to create your organisation’s unique procurement identifier, known as an API Key. You then need to add the API Key to your profile on our MultiQuote eSender portal to run compliant mini competitions for our frameworks. It is a requirement under Procurement Act 2023 that relevant notices are published to the Find a Tender Service and MultiQuote can only publish your notices if you have added your API Key. See our Find a tender service registration web page for a step-by-step guide on how to register.

The CPC Quote Tool makes it easy to perform and manage a further competition exercise on this Framework. It's free to use for all our members and offers quick, compliant access to all suppliers on purchases that fall below £207,720.00

Get a Quote

If your purchase exceeds £207,720.00, the CPC Sourcing Cloud is available that complies with the regulations to allow electronic tender returns whilst still being free to use for our members. Find out more about the CPC Sourcing Cloud.

Direct award is best suited to procurements such as (but not limited to):

• Low value / low complexity requirements
• Where goods or services are exclusive to one supplier / provider
• Continuity or additions to existing goods or services
• Urgent / one-off requirements

Make a Direct Award