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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

Thames Freeport Skills Programme

THAMES FREEPORT LIMITED · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 30 Sept 2026, 06:21.

Opportunity overview

1. Purpose of the Programme The Thames Freeport Skills Programme aims to build the capacity of the local skills and employment system to respond to the specific skills challenges and opportunities within the Thames Freeport area. The programme supports innovation, collaboration and growth in skills provision that aligns with the Freeport's wider ambitions to enhance productivity, drive inward investment and support local people to access high-quality jobs and careers. The fund is designed to support the development of new programmes, improvement of existing facilities, and the piloting of new skills interventions across core sector areas. Applicants must clearly define the outcomes they intend to deliver and explain how Thames Freeport Skills Programme funding will enable those outcomes to be achieved, as well as how other existing funding sources will be leveraged. Projects funded through this fund will be known collectively as the Thames Freeport Skills Programme. This procurement has been divided into nine Lots, as outlined in Section 8, and aims to appoint at least one supplier to each lot to support the delivery of the programme 2. Funding This funding has been made available as a direct result of the establishment of the Thames Freeport. It is intended to help develop or deliver proposals that will benefit the wider sector and help local businesses grow through improved skills supply and training provision. Funding is available for programme delivery projects and capital projects, or both. Thames Freeport will provide up to 100% of total eligible project costs. The minimum bid size is £20,000, and the maximum is £120,000 per programme delivery project, and a minimum of £50,000 and maximum of £200,000 for capital projects. Applicants may submit more than one proposal. All eligible tenders will be included in a pipeline of Thames Freeport Skills Programme projects. Projects in the pipeline will be prioritised on a regular basis. As funding becomes available, Thames Freeport may provisionally allocate funds to projects on this list. The dates on which prioritisation will take place will be published in advance on the Thames Freeport website: https://thamesfreeport.com. Thames Freeport reserves the right to decide which projects it will fund. Meeting the eligibility and assessment criteria does not guarantee funding. 3. Procurement Act 2023 Compliance The ITT will be available through a central digital platform, as required under the Procurement Act 2023. This ensures transparency in procurement route and regulations applicable. The ITT will be published on the Find a Tender platform. In accordance with the Procurement Act 2023, notices and award details will be published on the Find a Tender platform. Contract KPIs, award notices, and performance tracking will also be disclosed where applicable. This procurement is being conducted by Matt Hamnett & Associates Ltd, trading as MH&A. Company number: 11197120. Registered address: 1a Kingsbury's Lane, Ringwood, England, BH24 1EL. MH&A will act as the Contracting Authority for the purposes of this procurement and will enter into contract(s) with the successful supplier(s). Due to administrative limitations, the procurement notice is being published via the Thames Freeport (TFP) buyer account on the UK Government's Find a Tender platform. This is to ensure compliance with public procurement regulations, as the funding for this contract is grant-funded and subject to public authority oversight. However, all procurement activities, including supplier engagement, evaluation, and contract award and any prevailing contracts are being administered by MH&A. Bidders should direct all communications, clarifications, and submissions as instructed in this notice and the procurement documents. Further Information can be found in the attached ITT Document IMPORTANT: To register your interest and ensure you receive any revised or updated documentation or clarification responses, please email skills@thamesfreeport.com with your company name and contact details. You may request to be removed from the distribution list at any time should you choose not to submit a bid.

Classification

  • CPV80500000 — Training services

Lots

  • Construction Apprenticeship Starts£70k
  • Sustainable Construction Adult Training Placements£122.5k
  • Capex investment to enhance local FE and HE capacity.£416.7k
  • Training Programmes in Technology Manufacturing£76.3k
  • Training Provision in Digital Manufacturing, AI, and Emerging Technologies£22.1k
  • Hydrogen Skills Development Programmes£14.2k
  • Capex investment to support delivery of new technologies.£208.3k
  • Adult Upskilling and Reskilling for Employment in food and drink logistics£118.3k
  • Develop and operate curriculums in VR / AR in food and drinks logistics£125k

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
TFSP1
Status
active
Above Threshold
Yes
Procurement Method
open
Main Procurement Category
services
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure

Amendments

Entry 1
Id
042530-2025
Description
Guidance on registering an interest to ensure bidders receive clarification responses and any updated documentation has been added to the scope section of the notice
Entry 2
Id
042933-2025
Description
Descriptions and/or titles for Lots 1, 3, 5, 8 and 9 have been revised to more clearly reflect the sector to which each is assigned.
Entry 3
Id
042936-2025
Description
The attached ITT document has been updated to Version 2.0 to correct a typographical error on page 19, where an incorrect submission deadline was stated
Entry 4
Id
044494-2025
Description
TFP ITT & Application Form for Tender TFSP1 V2.0, which incorrectly stated the submission deadline on page 12, has been replaced with V3.0. The updated version reflects the correct submission deadline of 12:00pm (1200hrs) on 22 August, aligning with the remainder of the document and the published contract notice.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Lot Details

Award Criteria Details
This procurement has been divided into nine Lots, as outlined in Section 8 of the ITT document, and seeks suppliers to deliver the services specified within each Lot. MH&A reserves the right to appoint more than one supplier per Lot, where it is deemed beneficial to the delivery of the programme

Expected award period

Ends
1 Sept 2025, 23:59

Tender Period

Ends
22 Aug 2025, 12:00

Enquiry period

Ends
4 Aug 2025, 23:59

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
notAllowed

Languages

en

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Construction Apprenticeship Starts
Status
active
Description
Programmes that generate new starts on apprenticeship programmes in construction. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Interventions to support participants in accessing apprenticeship opportunities. Pre apprenticeship delivery, support with barriers to accessing apprenticeships. Deliver construction focused workshops and taster days Site visits to active construction projects. Develop short-term, hands on training to build basic skills and employability in preparation for an apprenticeship. Include CSCS card preparation and mock interviews with employers Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 115

Value

Amount
70,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
84,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Sustainable Construction Adult Training Placements
Status
active
Description
Programmes that generate adult training placement starts in sustainable construction. Examples may include, but are not limited to: On-site construction bootcamps with employer placements focused on eco-friendly building techniques. Courses in Sustainable Construction or Retrofit. Short courses in low-carbon technologies like solar PV installation, heat pump systems, and green insulation methods Site-based work experience linked with college-led technical skills in modular construction. Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 460

Value

Amount
122,500
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
147,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Capex investment to enhance local FE and HE capacity.
Status
active
Description
Capex investment to enhance local FE and HE capacity in sustainable construction. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Modernising construction workshops with net-zero compliant materials and tools. Purchasing simulation software and equipment for renewable energy or clean-tech learning. Expanding classroom and workshop space to accommodate new skills bootcamps.

Value

Amount
416,666.67
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
500,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 4
Id
4
Title
Training Programmes in Technology Manufacturing
Status
active
Description
Programmes that deliver high-quality training in technology manufacturing. Examples may include, but are not limited to: AI & Machine Learning Bootcamps focused on real-world applications like predictive maintenance or smart robotics. Training hubs simulating Industry environments. Modular training programmes for upskilling in areas like digital inspection, or AI driven quality control. Collaborative innovation projects with industry. Programmes focused on equipping managers and team leaders with skills to lead digital transformation projects and implement new technologies on the factory floor. Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 410

Value

Amount
76,250
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
91,500

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 5
Id
5
Title
Training Provision in Digital Manufacturing, AI, and Emerging Technologies
Status
active
Description
New provision to deliver training in digitisation of manufacturing and engineering and use of AI and emerging technologies. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Training for smart factories, including real-time sensor integration and analytics. AI for predictive maintenance and process optimisation. Specialist bootcamps in machine learning and industrial automation. Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 175

Value

Amount
22,083.33
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
26,500

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 6
Id
6
Title
Hydrogen Skills Development Programmes
Status
active
Description
Programmes that will develop hydrogen skills. Examples may include but not limited to: New technician training in hydrogen fuel cell systems and technologies. Conversion courses. Safety certification programmes in hydrogen storage and distribution. Partnerships with energy providers for hands-on learning in hydrogen production. Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 115

Value

Amount
14,166.67
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
17,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 7
Id
7
Title
Capex investment to support delivery of new technologies.
Status
active
Description
Capex investment to support delivery of new technologies. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Acquisition of simulators for hydrogen plant operations or electric vehicle (EV) maintenance. Investment in AI labs for training in machine vision and automation. Purchase of cleanroom environments for battery tech training. Virtual learning platforms and immersive technology setups (VR/AR) to simulate industrial processes.

Value

Amount
208,333.33
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
250,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 8
Id
8
Title
Adult Upskilling and Reskilling for Employment in food and drink logistics
Status
active
Description
Training to upskill and reskill unemployed / under-employed adults in to work. Examples may include, but are not limited to: Short, intensive bootcamps in logistics and plant training. Industry-specific pre employment courses e.g. welding, IT support technician, HGV driver retraining. Expected Participant/Learner Volume: 290

Value

Amount
118,333.33
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
142,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00
Entry 9
Id
9
Title
Develop and operate curriculums in VR / AR in food and drinks logistics
Status
active
Description
Develop and operate curriculums in VR / AR in food and drinks logistics Examples may include, but are not limited to: Technical training in AR assisted maintenance and assembly for industrial sectors. CPD programmes for educators and trainers on how to embed VR/AR into curriculum delivery. Develop VR training materials to support realistic workplace simulations, including scenarios such as lifting operations, confined space, working at height, fire evacuation, and other safety-critical situations.

Value

Amount
125,000
Currency
GBP
Including VAT
150,000

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Name
Project rationale, outcomes and strategic alignment with Thames Freeport objectives
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 2
Name
Delivery capability and relevant track record
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
25
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 3
Name
Budget and value for money
Type
cost

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 4
Name
Delivery plan
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
20
Weight
percentageExact
Criterion 5
Name
Social value
Type
quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
10
Weight
percentageExact

Contract period

Ends
31 Mar 2026, 23:59
Starts
1 Sept 2025, 00:00

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 4
Id
4
Related Lot
4

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 5
Id
5
Related Lot
5

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 6
Id
6
Related Lot
6

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 7
Id
7
Related Lot
7

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 8
Id
8
Related Lot
8

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services
Item 9
Id
9
Related Lot
9

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 2
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 3
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 4
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Entry 5
Region
UK
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Id
80500000
Scheme
CPV
Description
Training services

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Entry 2
Id
A-3416
Format
application/pdf
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Entry 3
Id
042517-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
23 Jul 2025, 16:54
Entry 4
Id
042530-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
23 Jul 2025, 17:11
Entry 5
Id
042933-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
24 Jul 2025, 16:40
Entry 6
Id
A-3463
Format
application/pdf
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Entry 7
Id
042936-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
24 Jul 2025, 16:47
Entry 8
Id
A-3615
Format
application/pdf
Document Type
biddingDocuments
Entry 9
Id
044494-2025
Format
text/html
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Document Type
tenderNotice
Published
30 Jul 2025, 17:27

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Id
GB-COH-14071669
Name
THAMES FREEPORT LIMITED

Roles

buyer

Address

Region
UKH32
Country
GB
Locality
Essex
Postal Code
RM18 7EH
Country Name
United Kingdom
Street Address
Leslie Ford House

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Id
publicUndertaking
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Description
Public undertaking

Identifier

Id
14071669
Scheme
GB-COH

Contact

Additional Identifiers

Entry 1
Id
PGTR-2821-XQNY
Scheme
GB-PPON

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Essex · UKH32 · RM18 7EH · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UK · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

1 published notice version reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

1 VERSION
  1. ocds-h6vhtk-0564e7-2025-07-30T17:27:21+01:00Tender notice on Find a Tender ·