HMPPS Common Awarding Organisations

Descriptions

The aim of the Common Awarding Organisations procurement(s) are to deliver qualifications across 5 areas which meet industry standards and create pathways to employment opportunities. MoJ has conducted very early market engagement with all Ofqual providers qualified for Mathematics, English, Engineering, Textiles and Catering and Hospitality at the time. This was to seek feedback from potential providers on MoJ's proposed requirements for Common Awarding Organisations. The subjects chosen for future Common Awarding Organisations procurement do not restrict future qualification delivery. Prisons will still be able to deliver qualifications in any subject area that is part of the wider curriculum. The only difference is that, for qualifications in subjects outside of the Common Awarding Organisations procurement, prisons will have the flexibility to choose the awarding organisation that best meets their needs. MoJ has further developed its procurement strategy and wishes to invite considered feedback on the requirements and proposed tender process to gain an understanding of the market appetite for a competition. MoJ encourages providers interested in these requirements to respond to this PIN indicating their interest (whether or not those providers were involved in the earlier market engagement). MoJ would bring to providers' attention that it will be a requirement of the competition that providers are Ofqual qualified or can obtain such qualification prior to any contract award (scheduled for autumn 2024). Providers wishing to access and provide feedback on the market briefing should contact providers have a 14 day window from the date of PIN publication in which to confirm their interest to do so, the deadline being 5th March. In addition, MoJ may invite one or more provider which confirms their interest to participate in one-to-one market engagement sessions. Depending on the level of confirmed interest, it may not be possible to hold such sessions with every provider. In that eventuality, such sessions would be held with a representative sample of providers. MoJ will consider all feedback during market engagement and any subsequent amendments to its procurement strategy will be entirely at its discretion. This PIN is not a call for competition. It does not commit MoJ to commencing a procurement process and is intended for market engagement purposes only. The value of this PIN is indicative and subject to change should MoJ decide to commence a procurement process.