Scope
Reference
P_0708
Description
Debt Recovery service linked to the recovery of child maintenance arrears owed by parents who have a responsibility to pay maintenance for their children.
Total value (estimated)
- £3,722,000 excluding VAT
- £4,466,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 31 May 2028
- Possible extension to 31 May 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75242110 - Bailiff services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
28 January 2026
Engagement process description
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), acting on behalf of the Child Maintenance Service (CMS) , intends to procure a concession service across England and Wales in early 2026 for the recovery of child maintenance arrears owed by parents who have a responsibility to pay maintenance for their children.
It is envisaged that the contract will be for an initial two year fixed period and could be extended for a further three years. The value of the contract stated reflects the total estimated value of the contract over the full term excluding any start up costs.
DWP wishes to consult a range of suppliers in the market , including both enforcement agencies who provide enforcement services directly and also managing platform suppliers of enforcement services, to establish the level of interest in participating in a tender exercise and supplying the bespoke service requirements of the Child Maintenance Service.
The Buyer wishes to consult with the market on the optimal approach to delivering an outcomes orientated service which supports the growth and financial viability of the Supply Chain whilst ensuring that service delivery supports any next stage debt enforcement activity within the Child Maintenance Service.
The required service will also potentially include additional administrative activities which would need to be provided by the supplier(s). These administrative elements of the service are not covered by the Taking Control of Goods Fees Regulations and will be paid directly by the Buyer. The service will continue to be a concessions service irrespective of any additional paid administrative elements as the value of the contract will be largely based on the fees earned by the Supplier or by any sub-contractors.
Specific areas on which the buyer wishes to consult the market therefore include the following:-
1.Market feedback on Supplier's experience of managing supplier platforms model v direct enforcement model and various linked operational delivery issues associated with delivering bespoke CMS requirements.
2.Pricing mechanisms for payment of any additional administrative elements involved in delivering the service required by DWP and market feedback on DWP draft pricing proposals
3.The procurement methods available for concession type procurements (including market feedback on potential use of the new Open Competitive Flexible Procedure with a Participation Stage). This might include a supplier demonstration stage based on the bespoke service requirements.
4. Lotting across the England and Wales footprint.
The Buyer has not made a final decision on the model or route to market at the point of issuing this notice and will use the feedback from market engagement to assist with final decision making and pricing approaches.
Suppliers interested in attending a market engagement event which it is proposed to hold online on Wednesday 28th January 2026 should register their interest by emailing cd.debtservices@dwp.gov.uk by 22nd January 2026.
Following the market engagement session outlined above the Buyer reserves the right to seek additional market feedback, including via one to one meetings with interested suppliers, in order to resolve any remaining operational issues prior to issuing a tender opportunity.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
26 February 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Concession
Contracting authority
Department for Work & Pensions
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJCP-7274-TLRQ
Caxton House, 6-12 Tothill Street, London, SW1H 9NA
London
SW1H 9NA
United Kingdom
Contact name: Cathryn McCrink
Email: cd.debtservices@dwp.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government