Change (II.2.11) Information): Options: No → Options: Yes
Explanation: (IV.1.1)): It is considered that single source procurement of a contract for the provision of an 11 month Military Engineer (ME Geo) Class 2 course with Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) can be undertaken for technical reasons in accordance with 32(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 due to the absence of competition is absent for technical reasons. These technical reasons are based on specific interoperability requirements under the accreditation process, which must be fulfilled by SHU to ensure the continued operation of the services being provided. The contract will be for a length of 24 months at a value of £203,551.14.
In the case of the university level degree accreditation contract, it is not feasible to transition to a new provider for student cohorts who are already part way through their studies. The process for accreditation means that the students must remain with the original accreditor, as set out below.
Soldiers must attend an 11-month Military Engineer Geographic (ME Geo) Class 2 course, successful completion of which results in soldiers being awarded 120 credits at Level 4 and 5, as they are considered qualified at that point to be assigned into their first military role. Following completion of their first military role in an operational unit, the soldiers subsequently return to complete an 11 month ME Geo Class 1 course, which must be undertaken with the original educational accreditor, gaining the requisite additional 100 credits at Level 5 and 6 to enable award of the Batchelor of Science (BSc). Both Class 1 and Class 2 courses were developed by the Authority in consultation with SHU.
As a result of this, accreditation cannot be transferred between accrediting bodies. Moving to a new provider would require the full re-validation process for all student courses which have already been accredited by SHU and the existing student courses must therefore be completed and accredited by SHU. The Authority is currently developing a revised course structure in order to conduct a competitive procurement of the Military Engineer (ME Geo) course in the future. It is currently anticipated that this will be launched by 30/06/2027. → It is considered that single source procurement of a contract for the provision of an 11 month Military Engineer (ME Geo) Class 2 course with Sheffield Hallam University (SHU) can be undertaken for technical reasons in accordance with 32(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 due to the absence of competition is absent for technical reasons. These technical reasons are based on specific interoperability requirements under the accreditation process, which must be fulfilled by SHU to ensure the continued operation of the services being provided. The contract will be for a length of 24 months with an option year at a value of £289,260 ex VAT.
In the case of the university level degree accreditation contract, it is not feasible to transition to a new provider for student cohorts who are already part way through their studies. The process for accreditation means that the students must remain with the original accreditor, as set out below.
Soldiers must attend an 11-month Military Engineer Geographic (ME Geo) Class 2 course, successful completion of which results in soldiers being awarded 120 credits at Level 4 and 5, as they are considered qualified at that point to be assigned into their first military role. Following completion of their first military role in an operational unit, the soldiers subsequently return to complete an 11 month ME Geo Class 1 course, which must be undertaken with the original educational accreditor, gaining the requisite additional 100 credits at Level 5 and 6 to enable award of the Bachelor of Science (BSc). Both Class 1 and Class 2 courses were developed by the Authority in consultation with SHU.
As a result of this, accreditation cannot be transferred between accrediting bodies. Moving to a new provider would require the full re-validation process for all student courses which have already been accredited by SHU and the existing student courses must therefore be completed and accredited by SHU. The Authority is currently developing a revised course structure in order to conduct a competitive procurement of the Military Engineer (ME Geo) course in the future. It is currently anticipated that this will be launched by 30/06/2027.