Invitation 01/47

New Technology Institutes

Invitation to bid for funds

Executive summary (read on-line)

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Annex A: Template for first stage bids (as separate file)
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Executive summary

Purpose

1. This document invites initial outline bids from consortia of higher education institutions (HEIs), further education colleges (FECs) and other partners to establish New Technology Institutes (NTIs).

Key points

2. NTIs are intended to operate from autumn 2002.

3. The core purpose of an NTI will be to meet regional needs for:

1. Increasing the supply of people with technician and higher level skills in information and communications technologies (ICT) and other advanced technologies.
2. Making available better advice and support to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), through improved links with higher and further education, on the effective adoption of new technology and innovative business practices.

4. Bidding consortia must consist of at least one HEI, one FEC, and one private sector organisation. Consortia should decide their own composition and leadership, but in all cases an HEI will be required to take the lead for contracting purposes.

5. A total of £25 million in capital funding will be available over two years from April 2002 to establish NTIs. This funding allows for up to two NTIs in each region. Consortia will be expected to bid in parallel for additional student number places, so that the enhanced capital facilities can support expanded provision for students. Consortia will also need to demonstrate substantial contributions from other funding sources.

Action required

6. To minimise the burden for HEIs and FECs, there will be a two-stage bidding process, in which the first stage requires only initial outline proposals. First stage bids are invited by Friday 19 October 2001.