Flexible contracting agreement (FCA) for Birmingham Virtual School Enrichment Services

Birmingham City Council (the "Council") wishes to establish a Flexible Contracting Agreement (FCA) for Birmingham Virtual School (BVS) Enrichment Services in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, applying the provisions for Light Touch Contracts as defined in Section 9 of the Act and Schedule 1 of the Procurement Regulations 2024. These provisions apply to certain social, health, and education services that are subject to more flexible procurement rules due to their direct impact on individuals and communities. The requirement will be conducted in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, using a Competitive Flexible Procedure designed by the Council.

The Enrichment FCA will provide a comprehensive range of services designed to enrich the educational experiences and outcomes of looked-after children in Birmingham, as well as children and young people placed by Birmingham City Council in other local authority areas. The programme aims to promote educational achievement, inclusion, participation, and progression, ensuring that individual needs and aspirations are effectively supported.

The Enrichment FCA is structured into three lots designed to support young people in care through targeted provision.

Lot 1: Careers Information, Advice and Guidance (CIAG) - Supports young people aged 12–19 with disrupted education, transition challenges, or at risk of NEET. Includes personalised careers advice, programmes, and events.

To be awarded to one provider.

Lot 2: Short Courses and Qualifications - Supports Year 11–13 learners, especially newly arrived or NEET. Offers pre-entry to Level 2 courses.

Further divided into two;

Lot 2a: English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) – Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5

Lot 2b: Accredited courses & Qualifications – Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5

To be awarded to up to four providers. 2 providers for each of the Key Stage ins 2a and 2b.

Lot 3: Community Enrichment Activities - Covers Creative Arts, Music, Sport, Outdoor Learning, and STEM activities.

Tenderers can bid for one or more Lots and all tenderers who meet the minimum quality criteria will be appointed to the FCA. Potential Suppliers must complete all relevant tender documents including the main response document and the response document(s) for the Lot they are bidding for.

The Authority will operate a structured call-off procedure under the FCA. The default method will be direct award, with provision to conduct a further competition (mini-competition) where the requirement cannot be satisfied through direct award.

The FCA is expected to be established in February 2027, with call-offs and any mini competitions anticipated to commence from March 2027. The agreement will run for an initial period of three (3) years, with the option to extend for a further one (1) year, subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of funding.