Planning

Request for Information for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

  • The North Yorkshire Council

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-038656

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-055c2a

Published 9 July 2025, 3:00pm



Scope

Reference

456-NYC-CY

Description

North Yorkshire Council (the Authority) is requesting information from providers to help determine the scope and feasibility of its requirement, to understand the range of potential solutions available in the market, and to assist with drafting a potential future tender specification for the provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs). The Authority is seeking to procure a framework, under Light Touch Regime, of high-quality Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to support the delivery of safe, stable and nurturing foster placements for children and young people across the county with the aim of ensuring that the Authority has access to a diverse and responsive pool of foster carers through external providers, complementing the Authority's in-house provision.

Commercial tool

Establishes a framework

Total value (estimated)

  • £4,680,000 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 1 April 2031
  • Possible extension to 1 April 2036
  • 10 years, 1 day

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 85300000 - Social work and related services

Contract locations

  • UKE22 - North Yorkshire CC

Engagement

Engagement deadline

1 August 2025

Engagement process description


Participation

Particular suitability

  • Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
  • Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

5 January 2026


Procedure

Special regime

Light touch


Contracting authority

The North Yorkshire Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNXY-8263-XCNL

County Hall, Racecourse Lane,

Northallerton

DL7 8AD

United Kingdom

Contact name: Laura Baxter

Telephone: +44 1609780780

Email: Laura.baxter@northyorks.gov.uk

Website: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk

Region: UKE22 - North Yorkshire CC

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government