Scope
Reference
CN250240
Description
Kent County Council is planning a Procurement process to appoint delivery partners for the Connect to Work Supported Employment scheme (funded by the Department of Work and Pensions). A Prior Information Notice was previously published in January 2025, inviting responses to a Market Engagement Questionnaire
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80500000 - Training services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKD - North West (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
- UKH - East of England
- UKI - London
- UKJ - South East (England)
- UKK - South West (England)
Engagement
Engagement deadline
9 May 2025
The engagement was carried out before this notice was published.
Engagement process description
The Council published a Market Engagement Questionnaire on 14th January 2025 via a Prior Information Notice, inviting responses from interested parties, to be submitted via the Kent Business Portal by 10th February 2025. The relevant Prior Information notice advertising this market engagement opportunity can be found here: https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/001126-2025. An advert was also published on the Kent Business Portal.
A total of 49 questionnaire responses were received. These responses were collated and reviewed, and used to help the Council determine its procurement strategy. Data was collected with regards to organisation experience and specialism, which in particular has been used to inform contract lotting. As indicated in the Prior Information Notice, the Council invited a limited number of organisations (5) who had responded to this Market Engagement Questionnaire to participate in 1:1 market engagement sessions, held via Microsoft Teams. These organisations were selected based upon feedback given within their questionnaire responses, with a range of organisation sizes and specialisms represented. These sessions discussed themes from the market engagement questionnaire.
A summary of the key themes considered during the market engagement phase, from these sessions and written feedback received from the market engagement questionnaires will be published as part of the tender pack, and made available to all prospective tenderers.
The Council intends to hold a Bidder Briefing Session on the morning of Thursday 26th June 2025, to provide more details relating to the upcoming procurement process. This will be held at the University of Kent, Canterbury. Due to capacity, interested organisations should email alison.blackman@kent.gov.uk to register their interest in attending and obtain an invitation, where full details will be shared.
This event will include a presentation from the Council's Commercial and Procurement team to provide information about the upcoming procurement process,
Due to venue capacity, the Council will be able to accommodate a maximum of 2 delegates per organisation.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
30 June 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Kent County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDL-8938-YGYW
County Hall
Maidstone
ME14 1XQ
United Kingdom
Email: alison.blackman@kent.gov.uk
Website: http://www.kent.gov.uk
Region: UKJ45 - Mid Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government