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

The procurement contact named on the official notice.

The Council will be using its free to use e-tendering system (in-tend) for the administration of this procurement process and potential suppliers must register with the system to be able to express an interest. If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity please click on the following link to access https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc/ and submit your details to register. You will then be sent details on how to log on which will enable you to download all relevant Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation. If you are unable to register with In-tend or have any questions or problems on how to use this web site please either email us at: etendering@birmingham.gov.uk Your completed tender submission should be returned by noon 1st October 2026 via the ‘in-tend’ system https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc

The submission route named on the official notice.

Birmingham City Council publishes Education & Training work continuously — 129 notices, roughly one every 18 days. This is a stream to watch, not a cycle to wait for.

69% of Birmingham City Council’s awards go to a supplier it has used before.

Which is the argument for getting on the list rather than winning this one. The incumbent is rarely the last winner — it is the roster. See the retention odds by category →

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.

Free to start. Named contacts come from published notices; the strategy is generated from the buyer’s news, accounts and people.

Five included while we’re in beta, and the agent asks before it spends on any paid step.