Scope
Reference
002499
Description
This contract is for Independent Mediation Service for Education, Health and Care Assessments and Reviews and Disagreement Resolution Service for Special Education Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND). Durham County Council is looking for a single provider to deliver this service.
It is a requirement of the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years that all local authorities must have in place a mediation information and advice service which is independent of the local authority. This service will offer independent mediation to families and will provide an opportunity to resolve issues linked to requests for an Education, Health and Care Assessment and the outcome of Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan Assessments / Reviews prior to families lodging an appeal with a Tribunal.
The Contract does not include any guarantee of any minimum volume of services, or any minimum expenditure.
Permitted changes that may occur:
The contract has a potential to be increased due to demand.
Any consequences of the White paper that is due to be released in Autumn 2025 that may have impact.
The Council reserves the right to amend the procurement exercise in line with PA23, s31.
Total value (estimated)
- £250,000 excluding VAT
- £300,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 13 October 2025 to 12 October 2027
- Possible extension to 12 October 2030
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The Contract period is two years with the options to extend for up to three periods of up to twelve months each from the contract end date.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
Permitted changes that may occur:
The contract has a potential to be increased due to demand.
Any consequences of the White paper that is due to be released in Autumn 2025 that may have impact.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80000000 - Education and training services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKC14 - Durham CC
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Tender submission deadline
29 September 2025, 10:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
Tender documents can be accessed free of charge at www.open-uk.org
Submissions must be received via www.open-uk.org
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
Essential Criteria Pass/Fail
Technical Questions 60%
Price 60%
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Durham County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPB-8772-VYWM
Corten House, Dunholme Close
Durham
DH1 5WB
United Kingdom
Email: corporate.procurement@durham.gov.uk
Website: http://www.durham.gov.uk/
Region: UKC14 - Durham CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government