Scope
Description
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £360,000 excluding VAT
- £432,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 14 February 2026 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years, 1 month, 15 days
Description of possible extension:
The service will determine if this contract continues to deliver best value to determine if the extension is to be utilised.
12 month possible option to extend
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
This is a framework agreement and the Council reserves the right to increase or decrease the volume or call off quantities and to utilise the extension if required.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKD - North West (England)
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
31 March 2031
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
When the Council has a requirement for the service, they will refer in the first instance to the breakdown of testing costs supplied by providers at the start of contractual arrangements. After which the Council will approach the cheapest provider for that service and request availability / capacity. If they can supply, an order will be submitted and agreed. If they cannot supply, the commissioner will move to the next cheapest on the list and so on until the demand can be satisfied.
This framework is for Cheshire West and Chester Council use only. This is a light touch framework.
Award method when using the framework
Without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
1 October 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
All tenders must be submitted via the Chest - www.the-chest.org.uk
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Quality 80% / Price 20%
The full breakdown of criteria is included in the RFQ document.
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Cheshire West and Chester Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PCJB-2814-BHZP
The Portal, Wellington Road
Ellesmere Port
CH65 0BA
United Kingdom
Region: UKD63 - Cheshire West and Chester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government