Scope
Reference
BBC CH 04135
Description
Bedford Borough Council (‘the Council’) invites Chambers to tender for the provision of a Barristers’ Framework Agreement. This Framework will provide a route to market for the purchase of barristers’ services, where there is demand for capacity or specialist expertise that cannot be met within the Council’s in-house Legal Services Unit.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 7 April 2026 to 6 April 2028
- Possible extension to 7 April 2030
- 4 years, 1 day
Description of possible extension:
2 x 12 months extensions
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
- 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services
- 79111000 - Legal advisory services
- 79112000 - Legal representation services
- 79130000 - Legal documentation and certification services
- 79140000 - Legal advisory and information services
Lot 1. ACE
Description
Barristers’ Services for Adults, Children and Education (ACE)
Lot value (estimated)
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. GPP&L
Description
Barristers’ Services for Governance, Planning, Property and Litigation (GPPL)
Lot value (estimated)
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
The Framework contract award decision will be made on the basis of bidders achieving a minimum overall score of 50%
For the quality aspect a minimum score of 40% much be achieved to be accepted onto the Framework.
The evaluation criteria and weightings are as follows;
Criteria Weighting for Bid Evaluation
A Quality 50%
B Price 40%
C Social Value 10%
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. ACE
Lot 2. GPP&L
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
2 March 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
16 March 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
27 March 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | The Framework contract award decision will be made on the basis of bidders achieving a minimum overall score of 50% For the quality aspect a minimum score of 40% much be achieved to be accepted onto... |
Price |
Weighting description
The Framework contract award decision will be made on the basis of bidders achieving a minimum overall score of 50%
For the quality aspect a minimum score of 40% much be achieved to be accepted onto the Framework.
The evaluation criteria and weightings are as follows;
Criteria Weighting for Bid Evaluation
A Quality 50%
B Price 40%
C Social Value 10%
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Bedford Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLCV-4616-VTHL
Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
United Kingdom
Region: UKH24 - Bedford
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government