Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has published a procurement opportunity for vocational progressions project with an estimated value of £330,000. The submission deadline is 5 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-09, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

The Authority, acting as the Lead Authority and Accountable Body, seeks to award a single contract to an experienced Supplier to design, manage, and deliver the Vocational Progressions Project, supporting improved apprenticeship outcomes and reducing the number of young people who become NEET. The contract will cover delivery across 15 schools, focusing on targeted support for students in Years 12–14, and will run in alignment with the wider Youth Guarantee timelines. The successful Supplier will be responsible for: Designing and delivering a structured programme of vocational progression support in each school, including group sessions, guidance interviews and mock assessment centres, as set out in the Specification.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority is the contracting authority. The estimated value is £330,000 and the deadline is 5 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to training providers, educational organisations, e-learning companies. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold Ofsted registration, relevant accreditations.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in education & training contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a £330,000 contract
• Relevant certifications: Ofsted registration, relevant accreditations
• Capacity to mobilise within Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 5 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032467-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 5 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 5 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 5 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032467-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority or the UK government.