Scope
Reference
OPEN2025287
Description
The opportunity is issued as multiple Lot contract. There are 3 lots within this contract opportunity, this supports the procurement objects of making the opportunity SME/VCS interest.
The Council have committed funding to support residents of County Durham in accessing a free, independent, impartial, high quality service offering information, advice, and guidance service.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,352,934.80 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027
- Possible extension to 30 September 2028
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
a further 12mths extension is at the discretion of the council.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Lot constraints
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
3 lots available. a provider may bid for one or multiple/all.
Lot 1. Healthier and Wealthier
Description
A specialist telephony healthcare referral pathway for patients attending primary care/pharmacy/wellbeing for life services. Clients to receive general advice and guidance including assistance with claims forms and referral into community advice and support. Make Every Contact Count (MECC) approach to be adopted to sign-post clients into health and wellbeing services.
2yr+1yr option
Lot value (estimated)
- £590,775 excluding VAT
- £708,930 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. General IAG
Description
Impartial, and confidential advice via a multi-channel offer, including assistance with claim forms for any resident of County Durham (To incorporate a face-to-face offer in the following areas of the County DH1, DH2, DH6, DH7, DH8, DH9, DL5, DL12, DL14, DL15, DL16, DL17, SR7, SR8. Outcomes to be recorded).
2yr+1yr option
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,050,000 excluding VAT
- £1,260,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Appeal Support
Description
Advice on eligibility and how to appeal decisions related to benefit entitlement plus support through the process including preparing and submitting documentation for any resident of County Durham.
2yr+1yr option
Lot value (estimated)
- £320,004 excluding VAT
- £384,004.80 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Healthier and Wealthier
Lot 2. General IAG
Lot 3. Appeal Support
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 May 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
28 May 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
reference # OPEN2025287
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 July 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 April 2028
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Questions | Quality | 70.0% |
| Pricing | Price | 30.0% |
Other information
Payment terms
Invoices must be submitted as described within specification for Lot
Description of risks to contract performance
Contract is let for 24mth with option for further 12mth extension. this might apply to all or some of the Lot contracts .
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
http://www.open-uk.org
All documents available from Open portal reference
# OPEN2025287
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government