Published date: 5 September 2016

This notice was replaced on 5 September 2016

This notice does not contain the most up-to-date information about this procurement. The most recent notice is:

Awarded contract (published 20 January 2017, last edited 20 January 2017)

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Contract summary

Industry

  • Financial and insurance services - 66000000

Location of contract

Any region

Value of contract

£500,000

Procurement reference

1363

Published date

5 September 2016

Closing date

3 October 2016

Contract start date

2 January 2017

Contract end date

29 March 2019

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

In 2011, the Coalition Government ceased funding Child Trust Funds (CTFs) but agreed to establish a new scheme, funded and organised by DfE, to provide children who had been looked after for 12 months with a JISA, with an initial payment from Government of £200. JISAs and CTFs are long term tax-advantaged saving accounts for children up to the age of 18. To date the scheme has been managed by a contractor and the Department is seeking a supplier to continue managing and administering the scheme.

Some of the aspects of the service required include opening accounts for these vulnerable young people with the initial Government contribution of £200. The supplier will also be ensuring that these accounts are properly operated and invested appropriately with a range of JISA providers. The successful bidder will raise additional voluntary contributions, through donations or fund-raising, to build the value of the accounts. They will also provide financial education to help ensure responsible use of the funds when the JISAs mature at age 18.

During 2017, or at a later date to be agreed between the relevant parties, the appointed supplier will also be required to assume management responsibility for approximately 11,000-15,000 CTFs of looked after children from the Official Solicitor for England and Wales; the Official Solicitor for Northern Ireland; or the Accountant of Court (for Scotland).

As the corporate parent for children in care, the Government's view is that this group of vulnerable children need the financial help that their peers receive from their parents. The JISA is seen therefore as a modest start in building a nest-egg for these young people, with the expectation that their local authorities will also add to the account, so that by the time these vulnerable young people turn age 18, they will have something more substantial than £200.

The contract is estimated to be awarded by late October. The service will commence on 2 January 2017 and end 29 March 2019, with a possible extension period of up to a further 12 months.

The value of the contract will be up to a maximum of £283,000 per annum, or less (inclusive of VAT)

More information

Attachments

Additional text

Bidders should be mindful of the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (TUPE). It is the responsibility of tenderers to consider whether or not TUPE applies in the circumstances of this contract and tender accordingly.

About the buyer

Contact name

Gurdawar Jassi

Address

Sanctuary Buildings, Great Smith Street
London
SW1P 3BT
England

Email

Procurement.CIC@education.gsi.gov.uk