Scope
Reference
W185258
Description
We are intending to re-procure for a provider to deliver the National Breastfeeding Helpline, which provides breastfeeding information, guidance and applicable support via a 24-hour helpline for families across the UK. The Department of Health and Social Care will be running a market engagement event on Wednesday 17th September at 10am.
If you would like to register your interest to attend the market engagement event for this procurement, please email Matt Land (CCSInbox@dhsc.gov.uk) by 5pm on Monday 15th September 2025.
Please note that due to annual leave, potential providers may not receive an acknowledgement of their email registering interest in the event until Friday 5th September 2025.
Potential providers are requested to nominate a maximum of three (3) individuals to attend the market engagement event.
For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a call for competition and DHSC are under no obligation to proceed with any formal procurement procedure. The market engagement exercise is being used as an opportunity to gather feedback to better understand market capabilities, refine the procurement strategy, and encourage supplier engagement.
Total value (estimated)
- £3,144,000 excluding VAT
- £3,772,800 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85312310 - Guidance services
- 79512000 - Call centre
- 72253000 - Helpdesk and support services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
15 September 2025
Engagement process description
As described in this preliminary engagement notice, DHSC is seeking potential providers who are interested in bidding for the National Breastfeeding Helpline, which will provide breastfeeding information, guidance and applicable support via a 24-hour helpline for families across the UK. Potential providers should register their interest by the date specified within this notice. Following the market engagement event, DHSC will issue follow-up questionnaires to attendees to obtain feedback on the outline specification, and the likelihood of success of the procurement.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
20 October 2025
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department of Health & Social Care
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQG-9965-CHZR
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Matt Land - Commercial Lead
Email: ccsinbox@dhsc.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government