VCS Core Infrastructure Support Services

This is a Contracts Finder - Future Opportunity Notice issued by Westminster City Council (WCC) who is a public local authority and a Contracting Authority for the purposed of the Public Contract Regulations 2015.

It is related to an early Contracts Finder - Early Opportunity Notice which was published on the 23rd July 2021 and can be found using the following link https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/55843d5c-75c9-4369-9286-5c31187600df

This notice has been issued for operators to be aware of WCC's planned intention to procure the provision of a provider to deliver (i) a local Core Infrastructure Support Service and (ii) a Volunteer Outreach and Development (VOD) Services ("the Services").

It is the Authority's intention to publish the Invitation to Tender in January 2022, with the view to service commencement July 2022.

The proposed contract period for both will be for a term of three (3) years with the option for the Contracting Authority to extend for a further two (2) years for a contract period of up to five (5) years. The estimated contract value for service is £360,000 per annum for both service lots.

WCC's consultation with local VCS organisations in early 2021 indicates that strong leadership across the sector through the Services is needed now more than ever. Core infrastructure support builds capacity and systemic change, collaboration, facilitates and delivers learning opportunities and creates opportunities to share ideas and resources to promote innovation and good practice. Our local networks and forums work towards fostering community connections in a positive consortium space.

The VOD Services provides dedicated volunteering opportunity development support to local VCS organisations to ensure they create volunteering opportunities which meet community needs and contribute to the delivery of the WCC's core City For All commitment to increase the number of people who volunteer in the WCC's local area.

Our aim is support and facilitate sustained organisational resilience across the sector by commissioning the service which is specifically tailored around the needs of VCS organisations and one that will positively contribute to WCC's key priorities. Our intention is to commission the Services to lead the sector through a proactive and strength-based approach, delivering training, support sustainability in services through funding advice and maximise social return on investment.