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Request for Tender (RFT) for the Evaluation of the ‘Flexible Learning Fund (Class2Cloud)’ Project

SECTION 1 - Introduction

The Consultancy Home Counties (TCHC) invites tenders for the provision of the evaluation of the Flexible Learning Fund (FLF) project from applicants that can deliver an end-to-end service and have existing infrastructure to deliver in the specified areas.

The project is: The Flexible Learning Fund – Class2Cloud Project

A tender will need to be made for the project and submitted to TCHC.

This document and its Annexes relates solely to the opportunity to tender for the Evaluation of the Flexible Learning Fund .

TCHC (see Annex 1) has been awarded this project as part of the national FLF project which is funded by the Department of Education. Further information on the FLF Project can be found on the TCHC website.

The project is to deliver targeted and intensive Blended Training for people, who are unemployed or economically inactive, to gain and sustain employment and education. This will be achieved through an intensive, blended training programme including one to one, online and group support with a focus on Functional Skills, IT and Social Media qualifications.

Designed and delivered by TCHC, the project is being delivered from Mid 2018 until April 2019. TCHC was selected to deliver the project and is contracted by the Department of Education to ensure effective results and comes through a variety of delivery partners. Further information on the project and delivery can be found in Annex 2 and on the TCHC website.

SECTION 2 - The Evaluation and RFT

TCHC wishes to appoint an independent evaluation partner(s) with a real commitment to work with us to test, monitor and evaluate our approach to the project and the results/outcomes it will deliver.

The maximum contract value for this project is £11,400 exclusive of VAT.

It is anticipated the contract will run from February 1st to 30th April 2019.

The successful bidder will carry out an independent evaluation of the project to enable TCHC and partners to understand if, how and why the project has been successful. They will have responsibility to oversee the effectiveness of agreed elements of project delivery and validity of internal evaluations. Other tasks will include reviewing the overall structure of the project, identifying areas of potential weakness and risks.

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http://www.tchc.net/

https://www.tchc.net/

The successful bidder will work alongside TCHC staff and partners who will focus on Social Impact Measurement of the project and evaluate quality and effectiveness of activity with participants. Particular emphasis will be put on the proven ability of an applicant to deliver comprehensive and critical evaluation of soft outcomes for the project.

A. Purpose of the external evaluation

The evaluation will focus on and ascertain the impact of the FLF project by assessing:

a) If the FLF project has supported participants in the way it was proposed in TCHC’s project plan bid proposals to the Department of Education;

b) Monitor and evaluate the outcomes and results for participants as per the outcome and results deliverables for participants on the project

c) If the impact of the FLF project on local communities where participants live was as proposed in TCHC’s project plan bid proposals;

d) If the FLF project has led to the development of a delivery model that is both effective and sustainable;

e) The cost benefit of the service.

B. Summary

This specification is for evaluation of the FLF project, currently Delivered by TCHC and will include the following activities:

Develop and agree the details of the evaluation in line with the specification and in partnership with TCHC;

Develop and agree the methodology, detailing how the evaluator will use storyboards, case studies and service performance data to evidence outcomes;

Identify and agree any other evaluation tool(s) that would be appropriate to use in evaluating the FLF project.

Deliver both Mid Term Evaluation reports, including case studies, positive and negative findings and suggestions for the future.

C. The evaluation approach

The evaluators will be expected to design the approach and discuss this with TCHC prior to implementation. It is anticipated that the approach would include structured interviews with people who have been identified as having received support via the FLF project, as well as delivery partners (including TCHC) and other external stakeholders (including DWP/Jobcentre Plus, Local Authorities, Private Sector Organisations, Voluntary and Community Sector representatives etc.).

The evaluators will need to take into account that interviewing the type of client group (including vulnerable adults with multiple barriers) requires a tailored approach, with implications for methodology, pace of interview and time taken. The interviews (which can include telephone interviews) should include aspects of the perceived value of the service and individual impact, the programme as a whole and should be conducted independently so that the participants feel able to give an objective assessment.

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The evaluators will be expected to work closely with the TCHC Project Director and the Project Manager for the FLF Project, as well as other TCHC staff.

The external evaluator would be required to provide additional detailed knowledge of the data and data sources, as well as additional analytical skills and perspective.

A designated office space will not be provided to the evaluators of this service, however it is anticipated that a hot-desking space will be available if required in order to deliver this contract.

Staff conducting the evaluation will be required to hold an up-to-date DBS check.

TCHC and the contractor shall agree in advance of any activity taking place the consent arrangements that shall apply for participants. All participants should be informed of the purpose of the evaluation, that the contractor is acting on behalf of TCHC and that they have the option to refuse to participate (opt out). Young people who are aged 18 or over are usually able to give their own consent but even where this is so, the contractor, in consultation with TCHC, should consider whether it is also appropriate for parents, guardians or other appropriate gatekeepers to be informed when an individual has been invited to participate in the evaluation. Consideration should also be given to vulnerable people and whether it is appropriate for parents, guardians or other appropriate gatekeepers to be informed when an individual has been invited to participate in the evaluation. This is likely the case with some participants on this project.

D. Evaluation outputs

The main output will be a Mid Term Evaluation report that will discuss the aims, methods and findings of the evaluation activity, including an overall assessment of the effectiveness of the FLF project, including the perspective of participants. The report will also include lessons learnt and, based on what worked well and what could be improved, make recommendations for what could be incorporated into the programme to ensure it leaves a positive legacy.

Agreed with TCHC there will be further outputs that will arise in discussions prior to starting the evaluation to monitor and evaluate the outcomes and results for participants as per the outcomes and results deliverables for participants on the project.

Unless otherwise agreed between the contractor and TCHC, the contractor shall supply TCHC with a draft of any and all reports for comment at least 4 weeks before the intended publication date. TCHC shall consider the draft reports and provide comments within two weeks of receipt.

E. Timescales

Mid Term Evaluation final report by 30th April 2019.

F. Publicity and Dissemination

This project is strictly bound by the governing rules of The Department of Education. Ownership of data and reports related to the project will reside with TCHC. Findings shall not be released to the press or distributed in any way or at any time prior to publication without the approval of TCHC.

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Any breach of DOE regulations and terms and conditions (including release of materials into the public domain without following appropriate guidelines) could result in clawback of funds. Should this occur as the result of a contractual breach, this could affect contractor payment.

Where the contractor wishes to present findings from the project in the public domain, for example at conferences, seminars, or in journal articles, the contractor shall notify TCHC before any agreement is made with external audiences, to allow TCHC time to consider the request. The contractor shall only present findings that are in the public domain.

G. Selection criteria

Applicants will be assessed against the following criteria: Successful track record in working closely with organisation on similar evaluations Extent to which the proposal meets the evaluation requirement Appropriateness of the planned methodology and methods of data analysis Ability to contextualise the evaluation findings and make recommendations How appropriate professional and ethical standards will be met Ability to conduct the evaluation and compile the report within the timescale required The extent to which the proposal is clearly written.

Please see Annex 3 for further information on Selection Criteria and Methodology.

H. Procurement Timetable

Request for Tender Issued 22nd January 2019Deadline for Clarification Questions 1st February 2019Deadline for Tender Responses 5th February 2019Tender Evaluation 8th February 2019Contract Awarded 11th February 2019Provisional Start Date 11th February 2019 Contract End Date 30th April 2019

In the event of any queries in relation to this RFT, please contact [email protected].

Please note that TCHC reserves the right to: carry out due diligence checks on the awarded provider; abandon the procurement process at any stage without any liability to TCHC; and or require the Potential Provider to clarify its tender in writing and if the Potential Provider fails

to respond satisfactorily, this may result in the Potential Provider not being selected.

SECTION 3 - The Project

The Class2Cloud programme developed by TCHC is a blended learning approach. It combines classroom and online learning to offer the flexibility needed by leaners.

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mailto:[email protected]

The qualifications available are Functional Skills Maths, Level 1 and 2, Functional Skills English, Level 1 and 2, ICT Level 1 and 2 and Social Media Level 1.

The online element of the programme offers short bitesize learning sessions that can be accessed anywhere you are able to access the internet. The short video sessions allow learning in short chunks and are therefore suitable for those with busy lives, for example people with young children or those working. Class2Cloud online service can be accessed 24 hours a day. f

Our key priority groups include lone parents Aged 50 or over Jobseekers Those in low paid employment who do not have a level 2 maths and/or English qualification.

The programme enables learner to gain key qualifications that can support a successful return to work or job- progression.

Full details of the Flexible Learning Fund can be found on the government website https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-flexible-learning-fund

SECTION 4 – Questions

If you are interested in this work, please complete all sections below and return the completed RFT to:[email protected] no later than 5pm on Tuesday 5th February 2019.

Any bids received after this deadline or not compliant with the requirements specified in this RFT or not completed fully will be discarded.

Please ensure that your application addresses each criterion and sufficient information is given on each point.

Company Information

Organisation:

Contact for this RTQ:Name/ and Job Title

Contact email:

Contact telephone/mobile number(s):

Website Address:

Address:

Company Registration Number:

UKPRN:

VAT registration number

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mailto:[email protected]

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-education-flexible-learning-fund

(if applicable):Organisation status (e.g. Sole Trader, Partnership, Public Limited Company, Private Ltd Company, Voluntary & Community Sector, Charity, SME (Small and Medium Enterprise), Other

Names of Directors:

Years of Trading:

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1. Please provide a short description of your organisation, including your background. What do you feel are your key strengths relevant to the evaluation of the project under the ‘Flexible Learning Fund’ Project – including any particular specialism that you bring? Please provide examples where you have demonstrated the capabilities to deliver the evaluation as outlined in the specification guidance.

Word Count: 2000 words

Weighting: High

Criterion: 1a, 2b, 2c

2. The potential evaluator is required to provide a detailed outline of how they will deliver this service contract in the timelines outlined in this RFT and the arrangements they will have in place. Please detail in your response the staff you will use to deliver this contract and the allocated hours/days each staff member will deliver. Please provide a staffing structure of your organisation relevant to the evaluation of this service. Please provide detail of implementation and delivery of the service that will be delivered by your organisation.


Weighting: High

Criterion: 1b, 2a, 2d

3. What would your organisation see as the three main challenges in delivering this evaluation and how would you work with TCHC to overcome them?


Weighting: Medium

Criterion: 1a, 2c

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4. What additional unique expertise can your organisation provide in the delivery of this evaluation? Please provide detail on what added value you will provide to the FLF project.


Weighting: High

Criterion: 1a, 1b, 2c

5. Please provide examples of two evaluations which your organisation has completed. Please provide any information on how this is similar to the services to deliver this evaluation.


Weighting: Medium

Criterion: 2b, 2c

6. Have you conducted telephone, face-to-face or other communication methods with participants who are vulnerable or with organisations that support vulnerable participants? Please provide examples. Please also provide detail on how you will capture the outcomes and results for participants as per the outcome and results deliverables for participants on the FLF project.


Weighting: Very High

Criterion: 1a, 1b, 2b, 2c

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7. TCHC wants to ensure that within your business or in its supply chain there is no servitude or forced labour, slavery human trafficking, arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view that a person is being exploited or conducting any activities that contain violation of human rights. Please confirm that your supply chain with regards to this tender response complies with the Modern Slavery Act 2015.

PASS/FAIL question. Potential Providers who answer ‘No’ - will fail the RFT process.Word Count: 200 words

8. Please provide us with at least 1 client reference, including their names and contact details who TCHC may contact as part of this assessment process (You can attach these in a separate document).

PASS/FAIL question. Potential Providers who answer ‘No’ - will fail the RFT process.


9. Do you have a written Data Security policy (Yes/No)? If you do NOT have a policy, please explain how you ensure that personal information is protected and that data is stored and/or processed as part of this contract



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Yes/No

10. The level of insurance required is outlined below. Can you confirm that your organisation has the required level of cover or is prepared to obtain the level of cover prior to award?

Please attach copies of relevant insurance certification.

PASS/FAIL question. Potential Providers who answer ‘No - have not got cover and won't provide requested level of cover’ will fail the RFT process.Word Count: 200 words

11. Please provide details of your insurances (e.g. Public Liability Insurance, Professional Indemnity Insurance) and the size of cover provided.



Name of insurance Insurance Number Amount (£) Name of provider

Employer’s Liability (minimum sum of £10,000,000.00 in respect of one incident and the number of incidents covered shall be unlimited)

Public Liability (minimum sum of £5,000,000.00 in respect of any one incident and the number of

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incidents covered shall be unlimited and should be adequate to cover all risks in the performance of the Services)

Professional Indemnity (minimum sum of £2,000,000.00 in respect of any one incident and the number of incidents covered shall be unlimited which should also be in place for a 6 year period following the termination of this project)

. Can you confirm that your organisation has the required level of cover or is prepared to obtain the level of cover prior to award?Please attach copies of relevant insurance certification.

12. Please provide details of your company’s turnover and profit over the last 3 years. If necessary, TCHC may require further financial information.


Year

Year

Year

13. In order to support TCHC’s due diligence process, please confirm that you would be prepared, if requested, to provide audited accounts of your organisation for the last three years or other financial statements. If not, please state the reasons for this.


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14. The maximum budget available for this evaluation is £11,400 for the FLF project, covering the completion and submission of the Mid Term Evaluation report by 30th April 2019. Any bid submitted over this maximum contract value will not be considered.

Please insert your costs in the table below for the evaluation of the FLF project. The costs should be broken down into components with a full description of each component and its associated time and costs.

PASS/FAIL question. Potential Providers who answer above the maximum contract value - will fail the RFT process.


Weighting: Medium

Criterion: 2c, 2dDescription Delivery by Costs (£)

Management CostsStaffing timeGeneral ExpensesOther

Total Costs (£):

15. Information in relation to this RFT may be made available on demand in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (“The Act”) and your organisation details will be disclosed where the expenditure is over £500 as per the Government Transparency agenda. Details of all contracts worth £25,000 or more in total value may also need to be published on TCHC’s website.

Organisations should state if any of the information supplied by them is confidential and commercially sensitive or should not be disclosed in response for the Information under the Act. Organisations should state why they consider the information to be confidential or commercially sensitive. Please state here any specific information in this RFT that you do not wish to be disclosed under Freedom of information Act. This will not guarantee that the information will not be disclosed but will be examined in the light of the exemptions provided in the Act.

Request for Tender for Evaluation of the FLF projects

I, the undersigned, hereby declare by marking an X in the box:

that the information provided is complete and accurate; (I). that the price in Section 4 is our best offer;(II). that no collusion with other organisations has taken place in order to fix the price; (III). that no works/goods/supplies/services will be delivered or undertaken until both parties have executed

the formal contract documentation and an instruction to proceed has been given by TCHC in writing.

Name

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Position Held

Date

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