Scope
Reference
5972224
Description
The Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS), Agencies, and Non- Departmental Public Bodies have a new requirement for the provision of temporary agency workers.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,400,000,000 excluding VAT
- £1,680,000,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 24 November 2025 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2034
- 8 years, 4 months, 7 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79620000 - Supply services of personnel including temporary staff
- 79612000 - Placement services of office-support personnel
Contract locations
- UKN - Northern Ireland
Engagement
Engagement deadline
5 September 2025
Engagement process description
A Preliminary Market Engagement questionnaire was published on 8 May 2025. There were 12 responses received from Suppliers by the deadline of 29th May 2025, presenting their feedback. Each Supplier demonstrated that they would be prepared to meet the Buyer's expectations and requirements within a range of proposed solutions. The findings were as follows:
• All respondents able to fulfil role as main/prime contractor, with capability of bidding on multiple Lots and no barriers to participating in procurement process
• No Supplier expressed concerns regarding the proposed procurement timetable; there was a willingness to work with incumbent suppliers to ensure a smooth changeover.
• All possessed their own IT system, highlighting capability to deliver MI.
• All potential Suppliers supportive of proposed contract duration.
• There was a wide range of replies from respondents in relation to Lot Structure, with suggestion of amalgamating Lots.
• No issues were raised concerning meeting KPIs, IT system requirements, data requirements, or delivering service during NICS major transformation (Integr8).
• Indicative of the current NICS policy to integrate sustainable development and social value into procurement, there were 4 questions within the PME addressing these subjects, with each of the suppliers expressing a commitment to both social value and sustainable development.
CPD, NICSHR and DfC are content with the PME questionnaire feedback.
A document entitled 'Schedule 10 Performance Levels' was issued via an eTendersNI message to all interested suppliers of the previous preliminary market engagement exercise. This document contains key performance indicators and service levels. The suppliers were asked to provide any feedback by the deadline of 3pm on 3 September 2025. Five suppliers responded and their feedback was considered.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
8 September 2025
Contracting authority
The Department of Finance
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVTL-7513-YWVJ
2-4 Bruce Street
Belfast
BT2 7JD
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Northern Ireland
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
CPD - Supplies & Services Division
Summary of their role in this procurement: Construction and Procurement Delivery - Supplies and Services Division, is a Centre of Procurement Expertise and provides a central procurement function for central government in Northern Ireland.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVWG-8426-YWXV
Clare House 303 Airport Road West
Belfast
BT3 9ED
United Kingdom
Region: UKN06 - Belfast