Early Engagement - FSF Dynamic Purchasing System 2 - For the Provision of Work Focused Activities

Description

This is an Early Engagement Notice for social and specific services in accordance with Directive 2014/24/EU Article 24. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intends to establish a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) to procure Work Focused Activities in Jobcentre Plus Districts in England, Scotland and Wales. The DPS is for the procurement of social and other services referred to in Regulation 74 of the Public Contracts Regulations (2015) and as such, the intention is to use a light touch regime, rather than the full regime described in Regulation 34 (Dynamic Purchasing System). The DPS is for the sole use of DWP. The Flexible Support Fund Dynamic Purchasing System 2 - For the Provision of Work Focused Activities (FSF DPS 2) is the replacement for the DWP Dynamic Purchasing System for provision of work-focused activities known as the Flexible Support Fund DPS (FSF DPS). The current FSF DPS will expire on 31st October 2021 and FSF DPS 2 will replace it for new call-offs from 1st November 2021. We plan for the transition to be a smooth as possible but there will be some changes and actions to take for suppliers. Prior to the November launch the new DPS will open to suppliers to accredit in September 2021 and to support this DWP will be holding a number of engagement events throughout August and September. These will cover the key changes and what suppliers will need to do to register and later bid for call-off contracts. Building on lessons learnt and supplier feedback on the existing DPS we are aiming to introduce a number of improvements. Full details on the DPS design will be provided in these sessions including key changes such as: - the introduction of a Request for Quote (RFQ) approach - an updated Employability Journey and Payment model - streamlined accreditation process - new evaluation and supplier feedback approach for call-offs All suppliers interested in joining FSF DPS 2 will be required to register when the DPS is launched for accreditation applications, including suppliers who are already accredited to the existing FSF DPS. In the meantime, the existing FSF DPS continues to operate and remains open for new applications for accreditation until 5th September 2021 via the Jaggaer system.