Please see the fantastic results that have been achieved in the benchmarking exercises that have been carried out during January and February 2016.

We are pleased to inform you that the new Security Services – Manned Guarding Framework was launched on 22 February 2016 and is now ready for you to use.

After a number of months evaluating the 67 tender submissions we are pleased to announce the launch of the framework that hopefully will not only satisfy your ICT needs but exceed them.

Using a CPC framework avoids the need to invest in an e-tendering system as we offer members access to our e-tendering systems free of charge. For mini competitions via a framework that exceed £164,176 we recommend using the CPC Intend Mini Tender Tool. This tool complies with all the requirements of the Regulations including those that come into force after 18 October 2018. If you would like access to the portal please email the CPC Helpdesk at helpdesk@thecpc.ac.uk and we will set up an account for you.

Crown Commercial Services (CCS) have issued guidance on the changes in The Public Contracts Regulations 2015 that affect the way in which contracting authorities (i.e. schools, academies and colleges etc) communicate with tenderers during a tender process for contracts above £164,176 in value. The full guidance document can be viewed from Further Education Library of Procurement (FELP), however as a reminder below is a summary of the regulations and the date upon which they apply:

For insurance renewals due 1st August 2016, now is the perfect time to start preparing your insurance tenders for the CPC FE Insurance framework...

We are delighted to let you know that Sheila Smith joined the CPC team this month as one of our Senior Contracts & Procurement Officers, taking over the frameworks that Ranjana previously managed.

New thresholds for the application of the various public procurement regimes come into force on 1 January 2016. For supply and service contracts awarded by education establishments the new threshold above which the public procurement regime will apply is €209,000, or £164,176, for public works contracts its €5,225,000 or £4,104,394.

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that Mon-Yee Ackers (CPC Management Accounts Officer) and her husband Russell have a new addition to their family, Mon gave birth to Alyssa Mae on Monday 28 December.

We are pleased to inform you that the Photographic Equipment & Consumables Framework has been awarded to seven suppliers as below: