Scope
Description
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) has launched the procurement process for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts. These contracts will provide 24/7 telephone-based legal advice to individuals detained at police stations across England and Wales for non-indictable offences.
Two contracts will be awarded, with services commencing on 4 May 2026, following an implementation period and a 28-day dual operation phase.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,360,000 excluding VAT
- £2,900,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2026 to 31 May 2031
- 5 years, 4 months
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
Description
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 1
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026.
Key Details:
• Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detained at police stations for non-indictable offences.
• Contract Award: Two providers will each manage 50% of the caseload (with possible variations).
• Duration: 1 March 2026 - 31 May 2031.
Procurement Process Updates:
From 24 February 2025, all suppliers must use the Cabinet Office Central Digital Platform to share their organisation's information with Contracting Authorities by providing a share code during the procurement process.
If suppliers are still unable to create a share code after getting assistance from the Cabinet Office, please email contact: Crime.Contracts@justice.gov.uk.
Key Service Changes:
The LAA, as part of this procurement, will introduce the following key changes to the CDD Service that align with the move to enhanced flexibility and reducing barriers to support providers in successfully delivering the CDD contract and ensure consistency across similar services.
For the new CDD Contract the LAA are:
• allowing Applicants to choose the arrangements most suitable for their delivery models and are not specifying the office requirements;
• removing supervisor-to-advisor ratios;
• removing the requirement for supervisors to be on-site 35 hours/week; and
• introducing a new KPI to track client engagement and timeliness of advice
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,180,000 excluding VAT
- £1,450,000 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 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement - Contract 2. Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
Description
Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Service Procurement Exercise - Contract 2
The Legal Aid Agency (LAA), on behalf of the Lord Chancellor, will run a procurement exercise to award contracts for two providers to deliver the CDD Service from on or around 1 March 2026.
Key Details:
• Service: 24/7 non means tested telephone-based legal advice for individuals detained at police stations for non-indictable offences.
• Contract Award: Two providers will each manage 50% of the caseload (with possible variations).
• Duration: 1 March 2026 - 31 May 2031.
Procurement Process Updates:
From 24 February 2025, all suppliers must use the Cabinet Office Central Digital Platform to share their organisation's information with Contracting Authorities by providing a share code during the procurement process.
If suppliers are still unable to create a share code after getting assistance from the Cabinet Office, please email contact: Crime.Contracts@justice.gov.uk.
Key Service Changes:
The LAA, as part of this procurement, will introduce the following key changes to the CDD Service that align with the move to enhanced flexibility and reducing barriers to support providers in successfully delivering the CDD contract and ensure consistency across similar services.
For the new CDD Contract the LAA are:
• allowing Applicants to choose the arrangements most suitable for their delivery models and are not specifying the office requirements;
• removing supervisor-to-advisor ratios;
• removing the requirement for supervisors to be on-site 35 hours/week; and
• introducing a new KPI to track client engagement and timeliness of advice
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,180,000 excluding VAT
- £1,450,000 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.
Submission
Enquiry deadline
30 July 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
28 August 2025, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
- Welsh
- English
Award decision date (estimated)
30 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Case Fee |
Price | 60% |
| Quality | The Quality sub criteria are: 1.1 - Skills and experience of staff delivering specialist legal advice 1.2 - Staff Recruitment and Succession Planning 1.3 - Supervision of staff delivering specialist... |
Quality | 40% |
Other information
Payment terms
N/A
Description of risks to contract performance
A/A
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Legal Aid Agency
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNZC-2236-JJJZ
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: crime.contracts@justice.gov.uk
Email: crime.contracts@justice.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/legal-aid-agency
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government