Scope
Reference
CDD 2026
Description
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has launched the procurement process for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts. These contracts will provide 24/7 telephone-based legal advice to individuals detained at police stations across England and Wales for non-indictable offences.
Two contracts will be awarded, with services commencing on 4 May 2026, following an implementation period and a 28-day dual operation phase.
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
Description
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026.
Key Details:
• Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detained at police stations for non-indictable offences.
• Contract Award: Two providers will each manage 50% of the caseload (with possible variations).
• Duration: 1 March 2026 - 31 May 2031.
Procurement Process Updates:
From 24 February 2025, all suppliers must use the Cabinet Office Central Digital Platform to share their organisation's information with Contracting Authorities by providing a share code during the procurement process.
If suppliers are still unable to create a share code after getting assistance from the Cabinet Office, please email contact: Crime.Contracts@justice.gov.uk.
Key Service Changes:
The LAA, as part of this procurement, will introduce the following key changes to the CDD Service that align with the move to enhanced flexibility and reducing barriers to support providers in successfully delivering the CDD contract and ensure consistency across similar services.
For the new CDD Contract the LAA are:
• allowing Applicants to choose the arrangements most suitable for their delivery models and are not specifying the office requirements;
• removing supervisor-to-advisor ratios;
• removing the requirement for supervisors to be on-site 35 hours/week; and
• introducing a new KPI to track client engagement and timeliness of advice
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
Description
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026.
Key Details:
• Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detained at police stations for non-indictable offences.
• Contract Award: Two providers will each manage 50% of the caseload (with possible variations).
• Duration: 1 March 2026 - 31 May 2031.
Procurement Process Updates:
From 24 February 2025, all suppliers must use the Cabinet Office Central Digital Platform to share their organisation's information with Contracting Authorities by providing a share code during the procurement process.
If suppliers are still unable to create a share code after getting assistance from the Cabinet Office, please email contact: Crime.Contracts@justice.gov.uk.
Key Service Changes:
The LAA, as part of this procurement, will introduce the following key changes to the CDD Service that align with the move to enhanced flexibility and reducing barriers to support providers in successfully delivering the CDD contract and ensure consistency across similar services.
For the new CDD Contract the LAA are:
• allowing Applicants to choose the arrangements most suitable for their delivery models and are not specifying the office requirements;
• removing supervisor-to-advisor ratios;
• removing the requirement for supervisors to be on-site 35 hours/week; and
• introducing a new KPI to track client engagement and timeliness of advice
Contract 1. 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contract
Lots
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
Suppliers (2)
Contract value
- £2,360,000 excluding VAT
- £2,900,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Award decision date
6 January 2026
Date assessment summaries were sent to tenderers
6 January 2026
Standstill period
- End: 16 January 2026
- 9 working days
Earliest date the contract will be signed
20 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 4 May 2026 to 31 May 2031
- 5 years, 28 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UKF14 - Nottingham
- UKC11 - Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees
Information about tenders
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 2 suppliers awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
- 3 tenders received
- 3 tenders assessed in the final stage:
- 3 submitted by small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- 0 submitted by voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
- 2 suppliers awarded contracts
- 1 supplier unsuccessful (details included for contracts over £5 million)
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Suppliers
The Johnson Partnership
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRM-9737-VLDL
Cannon Courtyard, Long Row,
Nottingham
NG1 6JE
United Kingdom
Region: UKF14 - Nottingham
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contract
Watson Woodhouse Ltd
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCQC-5611-RYNP
Newham House, 96 - 98 Borough Rd,
Middlesbrough
TS1 2HJ
United Kingdom
Email: info@watsonwoodhouse.co.uk
Region: UKC12 - South Teesside
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 1. 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contract
Contracting authority
Legal Aid Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZC-2236-JJJZ
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
United Kingdom
Email: civiltenders@justice.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government