Scope
Reference
JPS1796
Description
This Invitation to Tender ("ITT") has been issued by The Police and Crime Commissioner for Sussex who are seeking to award a Contract for the provision of Diversionary Caution scheme - Domestic Abuse.
The Requirement will be tendered as a single supplier.
The Contract Term shall be for a period of four (4) years with the option to extend by a further two (2) x Twelve (12) month extensions.
The anticipated commencement date of the Contract is 17th November. Any changes to this commencement date will be communicated to all bidders through the contracting authority's e-Procurement Portal
Following the success of Project CARA (Cautioning and Relationship Abuse), all UK Forces now have dispensation to deliver Conditional Cautions for eligible standard risk Domestic Abuse (DA) cases. However, Forces must demonstrate adherence to CARA principles within the Intervention provided.Our aim is to ensure that our stakeholders obtain the best value for money to maximise the benefits to front-line operational performance.
CARA is a recognised and award-winning early intervention program for low risk, first time offenders of domestic abuse who have received a conditional caution. The program promotes awareness of domestic abuse, self-reflection, and behavioural change - helping offenders to recognise the impact of their actions on partners, children, and relationships.
Launched initially in 2011 as a pilot with Hampshire Constabulary and the Hampton Trust, CARA has since been adopted in nine UK regions. A Cambridge University study from 2012-2014 indicated that CARA participants were 35% less likely to reoffend in DA incidents compared to a control group. Additionally, CARA regularly performs Impact Reports, where they analyse organisational progress, stories of change and offender feedback - as seen below, results from 2023/2024 highlight general Police usage alongside benefits of the self-reflection and behavioural change aspects of CARA.
From August 2024, all UK Police Forces received dispensation to deliver CCs for eligible standard-risk DA cases when using a CARA-compliant intervention - avoiding submission of these to the CPS.
January 6th '25 Sussex launched Conditional Cautions for standard-risk DA. There were 10 referrals in this first month and whilst this may be inflated due to cases held awaiting launch date, uptake is expected to increase over time.
Total value (estimated)
- £360,000 excluding VAT
- £432,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 17 November 2025 to 16 November 2029
- Possible extension to 16 November 2031
- 6 years
Description of possible extension:
2 x 12 month extensions
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 75200000 - Provision of services to the community
- 75231200 - Services related to the detention or rehabilitation of criminals
- 85322000 - Community action programme
- 85323000 - Community health services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Submission
Enquiry deadline
1 September 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
8 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Please register using the following link: Sell2 https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/Register
Once registered, please follow these steps to link to Sussex Police:
• Sign in to the portal: Sell2 (https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home)
• Click 'Portals'
• Find Sussex Police on the list and click the register with organisation button.
You should then we be able to access the opportunity which has been published on the Sussex portal.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
25 September 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Simple description | Award will be based on the following weightings: 40% Price 50% Quality 10% Social Value The Bidder with the highest combined score will be awarded the contract. |
Price |
Weighting description
Award will be based on the following weightings:
40% Price
50% Quality
10% Social Value
The Bidder with the highest combined score will be awarded the contract.
Other information
Payment terms
30 days
Description of risks to contract performance
This is grant funded which has to be bid for on a year on year basis. If the funding should not be available during the life of the contract then there may be a need to terminate.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
The Police & Crime Commissioner for Sussex
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPLN-2959-YWYQ
Sackville House, Brooks Close
Lewes
BN7 2FZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKJ22 - East Sussex CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government