Scope
Description
Cumberland Council is commissioning a new Carers Support Service. The aim of the service is to ensure that unpaid Carers of all ages can benefit from support that meets their needs, is preventative and meets the Council's statutory duties for Carers.
The maximum total value of the overall Carers Support Service over the total contract period (including any extension period and uplifts) is a maximum value of £4.337m but no guarantee is given as to the actual value of the contract.
The breakdown of this total is: 20% Lot 1, 75% Lot 2 and 5% Lot 3.
In year 1 the total maximum budget is £982,000 are as follows: Lot 1: £196,400 Lot 2: £736,500; and Lot 3: £49,100. The Council may not accept bids that are above the maximum price.
There are 3 Lots. Lot 1 Young Carers and Parent Carer Support (this will be for the provision of the functions set out in paragraph for Carers aged 18 and below, Parent Carers for children with disabilities, Transition Carer Assessments, family working with multi-generational carer family units); Lot 2 Adult Carers (this will be for the provision of the functions set out above for all Carers aged 18 plus or to work with the provider of Lot 1 in supporting the needs of any Adult Carers they are working with); and Lot 3 Digital Carer support (this is for the delivery of identification and self-help support including access to an online Carers Assessment being developed separate to this contract by the Council.
The contracts for Lots 1 and 2 are anticipated to commence on 1 October 2025 and will continue for a period of 2 years until 31st September 2027, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. The contract for Lot 3 is anticipated to commence on 1 October 2025 and will continue for 1 year until 31st September 2026, unless terminated in accordance with the Conditions of Contract. There will be three contracts issued for Lots 1, 2 and 3. (The contract terms and conditions for Lots 1 and 2 are the same).
There is the potential for two 12-month contract extensions for Lots 1 and 2, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding which if used would terminate 31st September 2029. In the case of Lot 3, there is a potential for 3 contract extensions of 12 months, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding. Use of these optional extensions are at the absolute discretion of the Council.
For further details and to access the tender documents, including the service specification, use the council's online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk.
Registration on The Chest is free. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT. Any clarifications you have about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the closing date stated in the ITT.
Total value (estimated)
- £4,337,000 excluding VAT
- £5,204,400 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKD1 - Cumbria
Not the same for all lots
Contract dates are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Young Carers and Parent Carer Support
Description
Assessments to decide whether the Young Carer has needs for support and whether these could be satisfied by services provided under Section 17 of the Children's Act. The assessment must also consider whether it is appropriate for the child to be providing the care.
Lot value (estimated)
- £867,400 excluding VAT
- £1,040,880 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027
- Possible extension to 30 September 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for two 12-month contract extensions for Lot 1, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding which if used would terminate 30th September 2029. Use of these optional extensions are at the absolute discretion of the Council.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Adult Carers
Description
Carers have the same rights to assessment and support that are available to the cared for person. Local Authorities have a wellbeing duty which means that a Carer is entitled to an assessment and a potential support plan.
Lot value (estimated)
- £3,252,750 excluding VAT
- £3,903,300 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027
- Possible extension to 30 September 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for two 12-month contract extensions for Lot 2, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding which if used would terminate 30th September 2029. Use of these optional extensions are at the absolute discretion of the Council.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Digital Carers Support
Description
The Provider will be required to establish a set of digitally based support functions and activities that will interface with the services being commissioned under Lot 2.
Lot value (estimated)
- £216,850 excluding VAT
- £260,220 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026
- Possible extension to 30 September 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
There is the potential for three 12-month contract extensions for Lot 3, depending on both the success in achieving the required outcomes and availability of further funding which if used would terminate 30th September 2029. Use of these optional extensions are at the absolute discretion of the Council.
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract locations are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Young Carers and Parent Carer Support
Lot 2. Adult Carers
Lot 3. Digital Carers Support
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
14 April 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
2 May 2025, 9:30am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 May 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 70% |
| Social Value | Quality | 20% |
| Price | Price | 10% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cumberland Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV
Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate
Carlisle
CA1 1RD
United Kingdom
Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government