Scope
Description
The council are inviting suppliers to participate in preliminary engagement to gain insight from the market with the purpose of making any potential future exercise, well framed, feasible, focused and of likely interest to the market.
This document is not an invitation for formal expressions of interest or an invitation to bid. It is for information only and will not be used to unfairly advantage any participating supplier. The exercise focuses on the market, rather than on the merits of individual suppliers. It involves no element of supplier selection or bid evaluation.
The information gathered will be used to clarify the councils' requirements, assess the markets capacity and develop a suitable procurement strategy.
The Council currently commissions a Night Hub service that provides a safe and supportive environment for:
People who are rough sleeping; and
Individuals who are homeless and being discharged from hospital.
The current model operates from a single hub location and supports up to 10 individuals at any one time. The service provides intensive, wraparound support, including daily engagement to help individuals access health services, housing support, substance misuse services, and other relevant appointments and interventions.
The service is for adults aged 18 years and over and daytime support, however the contract does include lighter touch preventative support to anyone 16+
The Council is considering a future contract that would include:
Delivery of a Night and Day Hub (maximum capacity of 10 residents) providing a safe environment and intensive support; and
Provision and management of five dispersed supported accommodation properties to be used as a step-down pathway to support move-on from the hub and promote longer-term independence.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2029
- 2 years, 6 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Engagement
Engagement deadline
4 March 2026
Engagement process description
The Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire can be accessed, free of charge, for completion and submission at www.open.org-uk using reference OPEN2026313
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government