E-Tendering

Q1: Feedback from last year's round was very poor, needs more structure.
Q2: Last round only allowed 10 working days for implementation due to LSC delays

A1: Bravo messaging will be completed by Regional Contract Teams to ensure that Providers receive a prompt response. The format/content of the Debrief Sheet for feedback is standard and is sent to Providers on request. We are not required to provide further information which is in accordance with the PQQ guidance.
A2: The current programme allows 20 working days.

Q: As you are already funding colleges, where is the opportunity for learners to choose?

A: ESF provision is delivered by a range of providers from the  private, public and voluntary sectors through an open and competitive tendering process. Learners will be able to choose the programme that best suits their individual needs irrespective of the type of provider. Details of successful providers will be posted to the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE-org.uk in February 2008.

Q: Need more information about the process around PQQ, eg 1 PQQ per specification?
Are consortium partners added as 'Other Users' to the lead partners submission?

A1: Guidance on the PQQ process will be included in the documents attached to the PQQ which the Provider should download.
A2: Not unless you want them to. Other users should be those from the lead Provider who are to be involved in the preparation of the PQQ and subsequent ITT process if successful: - ie completion of required PQQ / ITT on-line information and the receipt of email alerts from the Bravo system regarding these.

Q1: ESF qualifications include basic skills - will this include those outside SFL ie entry levels 1 and 2 in Numeracy, Lit and ESOL?
Q2: What is the additionality to T2G offered through priority 2? How does it differ from current T2G provision?
Q3: Will the PQQ used for all existing adult provision or only new provision? If yes for all provision, from what date?

A1: Details of the SE ESF priorities are set out in the SE ESF Framework 2007-10. It can be accessed via the regions ESF website on www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk 
A2: The rationale and the nature of the Basic Skills provision is explained in section 3.1D.
A3: Details of Level 2 and 3 provision is set out in sections 3.5E and 3.5F.
The PQQ will be used for all new Provision that the LSC wishes to tender from now onwards.

Q: How can we go about becoming a training provider to draw down LSC funding for generally listed qualifications (not just specific OCT projects)?

A: Any organisation wishing to become a training provider should seek guidance from their local LSC area office.
Details of all LSC offices can be found on the LSC website www.LSC.gov.uk

Q: How do I register for event 11 Sept 07?

A: You can register for the event on this site: www.livegroup.co.uk/celebrationevent 

Q: How, as a non-accredited and new provider (or project lead) can I pass the PQQ process. My partner agencies - deliverers - do have track record and accreditation.

A: As a lead partner you will be asked to provide details of your organisation's quality assurance system and that of your partners at the PQQ stage. To do this you should register through the Learning and Skills E-Tendering Portal at: https://lsc.bravosolution.com

Q: If we were a partner in an ESF bid, would we need to register for e-tendering or is it just the lead partner?

A: The lead partner must register through PQQ and if there is so be any sub-contracted provision, details of the partner organisations will be required at the ITT stage.

Q: If we negotiate with the LSC to provide a programme of learning do we need to register for e-tendering process?

A: If the provision is offered by the LSC  through an open and competitive process using the E-Tendering procedure via Bravo Solution, you must register at the PQQ stage. If successful at this stage, the LSC will invite you to submit a tender for the specific provision offered at the time.

Q1: Feedback provided on a previously unsuccessful ITT showed that reply was marked against a specific list of points we were expected to cover but were not mentioned individually  in the question. Ie health and safety section. Could requirements be made clearer on future tenders?

Q2: The PQQ and ITT did not seem to exclude small, stand alone quality providers from bidding, but it was clear from feedback on our unsuccessful tender that this was a key criteria for rejection. Should this not have been made clear at the ITT stage?

A1: It is not mandatory under EU procurement regulations to detail evaluation criteria in a PQQ. However, at ITT level it is mandatory and it will be available.

A2: The size of an organisation does prevent them from applying. All Providers are treated equally in terms of scoring against PQQ and ITT criteria regardless of their size.

Q: Why don't the two ESF funding rounds meet up? Our organisation projects finish in December and new funds don't come through until Feb, therefore 10 staff will loose their jobs. Why wasn't this considered?

A: The ESF programme is a national programme developed and managed by the European Social Fund Division in liaison with the European Commission but devolved for implementation to each Government Office region . The national programme and timetable has been in development since December 06 and is related to final approval from the Commission. ESF is a short term intervention fund and all providers obtaining funds should ensure they have an exit strategy for learners and for their organisation, as future ESF funds cannot be relied upon.

Q: Is there the equivalent of a 'dating agency' to match partnership providers with lead body? If so how do we access it? If not, has the LSC considered setting one up?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011-se.org.uk/provider_events.htm. 

You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: If as a national organisation we submit one PQQ, how do we register expression of interest regionally?

A: The PQQ will ask the provider to specify the regions in which it wishes to deliver.

Q: Can the local authority apply as lead without all partners in place? B) What is the amount in percentage allowed for hosting the partnership?

A: You do not need to register partners at the PQQ stage. PQQ is your organisation registering an interest. Partners need to be registered at the ITT stage. There is no specific percentage for what would be a management fee. Such costs are considered in relation to the nature of the project and the role of the lead organisation.

Q1: How will the process of marking and feedback of unsuccessful ITTs be improved to be transparent and open?
 

Q2: Previously the scoring has not been clear and the LSC has not been prepared to give clarification.

A1: Bravo messaging will be completed by Regional Contract Teams to ensure that Providers receive a prompt response. The format/content of the Debrief Sheet for feedback is standard and is sent to Providers on request. We are not required to provide further information which is in accordance with the PQQ guidance.
A2: It is not mandatory under EU procurement regulations to detail evaluation criteria in a PQQ. However, at ITT level it is mandatory and it will be available.

Q: Further clarification on T2G additional level 2 and 3 - eligibility info

A: Details of the SE ESF priorities are set out in the SE ESF Framework 2007-10. It can be accessed via the regions ESF website on www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk. ESF will fund additional level 2 and 3 qualifications in priority sectors and for priority groups as set out in the ESF Framework. 

Q: I understand LSC Specs will be launched on 11th Sept. Will we be required to have a comprehensive list of partners/subcontractors for PQQ process. If so can this be modified/changed/added to for ITT?

A: The ESF programme in the south east region will be launched on the 11th Sept. A summary of the ESF funded activities offered by LSC, SEEDA and DWP will be available. The full and detailed specifications will be published by the LSC on the 12th November when Invitations to Tender are issued to those organisation's whose PQQs that have been successful. The Tendering Timetable for the LSC, SEEDA and DWP is available on the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk. Ideally partners should be known at the time of completing any ITT submission. Any additional Providers identified who also wish to work in Partnership should be brought to the attention of the LSC at the time of any contract negotiation meetings should the tender be successful.

Q: We are a smaller voluntary sector provider. We have had a P for L contract previously and now regional response contract (having failed previous T2G tender) I would like reassurance that we will not be discriminated against because we are not part of a consortium of partnership especially as employers have asked for us.

A: All Providers regardless of the type and size of organisation are treated equally in terms of scoring against PQQ and ITT criteria.

Q1: If we fail the PQQ or ITT will we receive feedback?

Q2: If we apply on the ?? region, how do we register interest in other regions?

A: On request Providers will receive a standard De-brief sheet to inform them of the results of evaluation. The PQQ will ask the provider to specify the regions in which it wishes to deliver. 

Q: We would like to work with other training providers, will there be an opportunity to partner with other providers? How can we find these partners?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011.org.uk/provider-events.htm. You can also contact our local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: We are a very small provider - How do we find out about other tenderers who may like to include us? We are such a small company, should we go ahead in with a PQQ for ESF? Need more info on partnerships.

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at http://www.ESF2008-2011-e.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: It was state that PQQ is used as an expression of interest for funding opportunities that are not yet published. How does this work when the PQQ interface is all about specific tender opportunities?

A: As ITT opportunities become available those Providers who were successful at PQQ will be invited to tender. Once a Provider is registered on the Bravo site they may access the system to view all current tendering opportunities at any time.

Q: Do you need partners in place at PQQ. They could be bringing expertise you need to demonstrate at this stage

A: At the PQQ stage, you are registering your organisation and your interest. If your PQQ is successful you will be issued with an Invitation To Tender (ITT). It is at this stage that you will need to provide details of your partners. Ideally partners should be known at the time of completing any PQQ submission. Any additional Providers identified who also wish to work in Partnership should be brought to the attention of the LSC at the time of any contract negotiation meetings should the tender be successful. 

Q: On the Bravo e-tendering system how do you know if you have been unsuccessful? Do you receive information?

A: The outcome of PQQ is communicated to Providers through Bravo messaging in accordance with timescales specified.

Q1: Definition of full level 2/3. Will this include equivalents on the QCA framework (VRQs), and sector specific qualifications (eg CORGI, Welcome HOST) and other such as 1st aid, food hygiene etc but is about upskilling the workforce.

Q2: Level 4+ would this be in the form of Business Leaders Grants and Women Leaders Grants.

Q3: can non-qualifying training be included in bid?

Q4: can the same person within the same project: a) access the same level more than once. eg. take more than one level 1? b) access different levels (eg level 2 then 3 then 4). 

Q5: Can projects be based on starts only or should they be based on achievements only?

A1: Qualifications are classified by QCA. The National Database of Accredited Qualifications (www.ndaq.org.uk), maintained by QCA, does not include flags indicating Full Level 2 and Full Level 3 status. LSC uses data from QCA about the level (depth) and width (breadth) of each qualification, as determined by QCA, to determine whether the qualification constitutes a full level 2 or a full level 3. This is flagged under the Level 2 Category / Level 3 Category heading in the Learning Aim Database maintained by LSC (http://providers.lsc.gov.uk/lad)

A2: Higher level qualifications will not be funded by the LSC. Within the ESF programme these may be offered by SEEDA and details will be made available at the launch of the ESF programme on the 11th September.

A3/4: The LSC will invite those organisations successful at the PQQ stage to submit tenders for specific activity set out in its specifications which will made available at the Invitation to Tender Stage on the 7th Nov.

A5: Specifications will indicate the number of learner starts targets, learner unit cost and results targets (qualifications, employment, further learning as relevant to the type of provision).

Q: Advice was given to ask local LSC for info about providers who are already working in the specific areas we might we looking for. This still precludes those new providers and those who have not had a contract with the LSC. How can you help good quality providers find partnerships appropriate to the provision in a very short time?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact our local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: How do I make ESF lead partners intending to bid of my desire to become their Employer Engagement Partners in an appropriate project aimed at Workforce Development in Hampshire and Sussex?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: Will partnerships have to submit one PQQ on behalf of all members, or one PQQ per organisation?

A: One per Partnership, that is the lead partner who intends to hold the contract should complete the PQQ.

Q: If submitting a partnership bid, do all orgs. In partnership have to have 'passed' the PQQ, or just the lead partners?

A: The lead partner must be successful at PQQ.

Q: Still not clear on how you establish a track record or prove it. How do you show the quality within organisation?

A: The LSC will require providers to provide details of their quality assurance systems based either on their OfSTED/ALI inspection or from other sources if the provision is non-inspected.

Q: Is this process intended to be used for the commissioned element in the future?

A: Yes

Q: Does the PQQ need to be completed in one session or can I work (on-line) on it over a few days?

A: Once you have expressed an interest in a PQQ and begun completing/saving your response it will be saved into My PQQs.  You may then access this at any time to work on it.

Q: How do you engage with local LSC when they don't seem to want to communicate with you. Previous relationship when local office was at Kidlington was very proactive and led to a lot of partnership working to meet local need across MKOB area.

Where you have been unable to speak to the appropriate person at the local LSC office, it is advised to contact a Partnership Director at Kidlington area office on 0845 019 4147

Q: Still not sure why an academic SFC would be involved in tendering unless all future funding to be through tendering process - Though not addressed I can see that we might need to use to invite tenders from suppliers. Is this the way to go? Given that LSC already has our accounts and 3 year plans do they need attaching again?

A: Depending on the type of provision and funding there will be a need to do this through the OCT route in future.
If you are a college or local authority there is no need to upload financial information.

Q1: when will we receive details of our previous PQQ application, rather than submit a new one?
Q2: Contact details of local (Kent) LSC for help re: Bravo website.

A: The outcome of previous PQQ submissions are communicated by the LSC region where the head office of the Provider is based. Any requests for information/help should be sent through the BRAVO messaging system.

Q: As a small company would like information on larger companies to join with to gain LSC funding as we feel we are discriminated against - to become part of a consortium

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk. Your Sector Skills Council is Skills for Care at http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk. The south east regional SFC office is based at Addlestone Surrey.

Q: Can only organisations that have passed the PQQ process register on the e-tendering portal?

A: A prospective provider must register on the e-tendering portal in order to take part in the PQQ process.

Q: Please could somebody get back to me if more support could be given to new prospective company coming to the LSC

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.ESF2008-2011.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: Is there a helpline to enable us to seek verbal advice when completing the PQQ process? On-line support does not help when you don't really know the question to ask!

A: For technical problems please contact Bravo using the email address or telephone number which appears on the Bravo home page. For all other queries relating to the content of PQQs/ Tenders please use the Bravo messaging service 

Q1: Please copy in on any responses relating to partnerships/consortia.

Q2: Please clarify again issue of L2 repeaters - only available through ESF for SE? 3) Any further info on finance requirements.

A: All Q & As will be posted to the SE region ESF  website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk. Further Q & A will also be available on the LSC E-Tendering Portal via Bravo Solutions https://lsc.bravosolution.com

Q: We are an SME that are looking to build relationships and strike partnerships with companies in local area, to be able to provide services against tender opportunities. How can we get in touch with people that are looking to partner?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at http://www.ESF2008-2011.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: We are an e-learning company looking to get involved with JC+ (or others in E2E) what support/bodies/help is available either to provide a service to help E2E or gain funding to do it directly?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at http://www.ESF2008-2011.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact your local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: As a new regional provider (previous experience is with NES) we will need help with things like ESF procurement - Could you put us in touch with someone at LSC who we can talk things through with

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at http://www.futureesf-se.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact our local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk

Q: Re: PQQ. Where there is a large organisation eg: WSCC, where a number of directorates apply for funding from different streams - do we need just one PQQ for the organisation or one for each specialisms?

A: An organisation that wishes to secure funding leading to a contract with the LSC must complete a PQQ. If the provision is to be delivered in partnership, a lead organisation would be required to hold the contract and it is this organisation that would complete the PQQ.

Q: I need some clarification ref LSC/ESF. Are we talking about two clear separate funding streams which require two separate PQQs and tenders or just one that covers LSC/ESF

A: ESF is a funding stream in its own right. ESF funded activities will be offered by the LSC in an open and competitive tendering process. If your organisation is interested, it must complete a PQQ. If you are interested in the  ESF programme operating in the south east region, you may wish to attend the launch event on the 11th Sept, registration for which is through www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk

Q: It is not clear how PQQs will be evaluated. What are criteria for successful/unsuccessful applications? Would be useful to get further clarification re. financial.

A: PQQs are evaluated in accordance with national guidelines, the process for which is outlined in the instructions attached to the PQQ on line. We cannot share other information about the process as this would give Providers an unfair advantage.

Q: E-tendering bid consortiums (eg Tri-Council) are expected to be commonplace for ESF funding. Will one bid form need to be completed or will each council need to complete a form

A: The lead partner must register through PQQ and if there is so be any sub-contracted provision, details of the partner organisations should be provided.

Q: With the National Strategic steer to open commissioning to third sector organisation. What provision for Capacity Building in the LSC to enable third sector to meet the demand that will be put on them?

A: The LSC south east region held a series of seminars in May/June and July to support new providers prepare for the new ESF programme. These included 'Partnership Working' and 'Demonstrating the Quality of Non-Inspected Provision'. Details of these provider events can be found on the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk

Q: Film industry training for adults and CPD. We are a small provider with 5 year track record training. Do we have a chance of succeeding with an application?

A: Providers wishing to obtain funds from the LSC should register their interest should complete a PQQ.

Q: Will this new e-tendering portal be used for T2G in the future?

A: YES

Q: Will PQQs be scored? What will this be? Will orgs be eligible if they haven't previously received LSC funding? Am assuming that LSC want to see project specific partnerships and we won't yet know about tender opportunities. 

A: PQQs will be scored after the closing date of 28 September 2007. This opportunity is available to all Providers to ensure that this is an open and competitive process.
With regard to partnership working please contact your local LSC  to assist with networking opportunities for specific provision areas.

Q: What process will be used to inform providers of the PQQ and ITT? Will this be a national process? During the last e-bidding round we had Bravo messaging, letter, email and phone calls - each region seemed to have their own process.

A: The outcome of PQQ and ITT will be communicated though Bravo messaging and may include a letter as an attachment.

Q: For consortium bids, can providers be added after ITT submission?

A: Ideally this should be known at the time of completing any ITT submission. Any additional Providers identified who also wish to work in Partnership should be brought to the attention of the LSC at the time of any contract clarification meetings should the tender be successful. Addition of partners post-contract will require a formal contract variation.

Q: If wanting to run more than one project, are more PQQs necessary to complete

A: Providers wishing to obtain funds from the LSC should register their interest should complete a PQQ. At this stage you will be asked to indicate those programmes in which you are interested. If successful, you will be invited to submit a tender for specific programmes.

Q: Our level 3 NVQ has bee reduced 16.9% and will be reduced a further 16.9% next year. We do not deliver level 2. Our learners do not have a relevant level 2 qualification. What can we do to make up for the shortfall in funding?

A: First Level 2/3 qualifications for employers/employees is funded through Train to Gain. Additional Level 2/3 qualifications for priority sectors and priority groups will be available from the ESF funded programmes offered by the LSC and SEEDA. The tendering timetable is available on the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk

Q: Please can I be supplied with a delegate list of support delegates for the use of the Bravo software within the Kent and Medway LSC?

A: For technical problems please contact Bravo using the email address or telephone number which appears on the Bravo home page. For all other queries relating to the content of PQQs/ Tenders please use the Bravo messaging service 

Q: How do we register if we do not have a VAT number?

A: Just put N/A

Q: Is there a user manual downloadable for the Bravo system?

A: Yes there are user guides on the Supplier Helpcenter on the home page.

Q: ESF 07-13 - reference to Priority 1, 2, 4 and 5. Is there a priority 3?

A: Priority 3 refers to Technical Assistance which is not an Employment & Skills programme.

Q: Can we be provided with reasons why our 07/08 previous PQQ was not considered acceptable/satisfactory. ie not approved?

A: If you request a debrief through Bravo messaging this will be sent to you.

Q: Partnering - what is the best way to identify partners to work with?

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at http://www.futureesf-se.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact our local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk.  

Q1: How easy will it be for micro providers to participate?

Q2: Do we need to have partners already or is there a supplier matching service?

A1: Providers wishing to obtain funds from the LSC should register their interest should complete a PQQ. At this stage you will be asked to indicate those programmes in which you are interested. If successful, you will be invited to submit a tender for specific programme.

A2: The lead partner must register through PQQ and if there is so be any sub-contracted provision, details of the partner organisations should be provided.

Q: Please clarify the partnership and sub-contacting rules under LSC/ESF.

A: The lead partner must register through PQQ and if there is so be any sub-contracted provision, details of the partner organisations should be provided. The lead partner can only sub-contract one further level to partners within a partnership or consortia or to other providers for specialist services.

Q: I didn't feel the question on establishing a track record was answered. This point was that the same providers fell down in the last PQQ because they could not describe a track record eg with a particular age group/type of provision. Will this be the case in this round?

A: The PQQ will request you to demonstrate your organisation's experience and expertise with the specific client group and/or programme area.

Q: Will LSC/Bravo send autoprompts to all known providers or is it our responsibility to scour the website each week?

A: Previously successful PQQ applicants will receive auto alerts for new tenders in which they expressed an interest, however it is always worth accessing Bravo to see what other opportunities may be available across the public sector.

Q: is there a financial limit on the size of each project/contract? Ie 50k/yr.

A: Providers are awarded a Recommended Funding Limit when their financial health is assessed using the financial information provided. This limit is taken into account when awards are recommended.

Q: Please could I have the contact details for the ESF co-ordinator at LSC Reading

A: If you have a specific question relating to ESF, you should use the Contact Email facility on the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk and the appropriate LSC member of staff will reply to you or contact you directly.

Q: On the co-financing outcomes slide qualifications - Full NVQ levels 1-4: Does this mean achievement of full NVQ within contracted time period?

A: The LSC and SEEDA ESF programme will fund full Level 2 and 3 qualifications. There will be some funding for part/unit awards in some specific areas and these will be set out in the specifications. Learners must complete their programme by the 31st December 2010.

Q: I have a track record working in NW England and have been drawing together a number of key players across SE England (with FCCBF money). We would like to look at what gaps have been identified (esp. Surrey and NE Hants) to see if this is accords with our understanding with a view to extend faith community engagement

A: The ESF Framework for the South East Region is based on the employment and skills needs identified in the Regional Economic Strategy and  an analysis by Worcester Research commissioned by SEEDA on behalf of the Regional Skills Productivity Alliance as preparation for the development of the region's ESF Framework. Details can be found on the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk.

Q: Would like more info and new organisations and partnership questions

A: The LSC has published the providers who attended the regional Partnership Working events in May of this year. Details can be found on the regional ESF website at www.futureesf-se.org.uk/provider_events.htm. You can also contact our local LSC office located through the LSC website www.lsc.gov.uk. 

Q: How will the ITT process capture all information of consortia partners or is the information only required from lead organisation?

A: Based on a successful PQQ, the lead partner will be issued with an ITT which will request information about sub-contractors. This includes partners providing any part of the delivery to learners.

Q: As an organisation that delivers primarily in Sussex, to what extent will we need to sub-contract as part of a regional arrangement. Ie. Will there be say 'Brighton' projects or will they be region-wide?

A: LSC, SEEDA and the DWP will provide a summary of their ESF programmes at the launch of ESF on the 11th September. This will include geographical targeting. Registration for the event can be made through the ESF website www.ESF2008-2011-SE.org.uk

Q: I run a consortium of independent experience self-employed HR and Training consultants, all CIPD members. We wish to support LSC, bid and deliver. We also can offer up to date research on employer needs for new projects. Who can we meet to explore potential support?

A: Providers wishing to obtain funds from the LSC should register their interest should complete a PQQ. At this stage you will be asked to indicate those programmes in which you are interested. If successful, you will be invited to submit a tender for specific programmes. 

Q: If the organisation has an LSC contract, eg T2G, are you classed as a current or new provider for ESF purposes?

A: If you have already completed a PQQ and were successful you will be invited to express an interest in forthcoming tendering rounds. If you have not previously completed a PQQ, then you will need to do so in order to be considered for future ITTs.