Scope
Reference
PME-Barrister2026
Description
**PREMARKET ENGAGEMENT ONLY** Barrister Framework 2026
Pre-Market Engagement (PME) Information and Introduction
Barristers Framework 2026
Introduction
Bedford Borough Council is preparing to launch the forthcoming Barristers Framework 2026. As part of the early planning stage, we are conducting a Pre-Market Engagement (PME) exercise to seek supplier feedback on the proposed approach, specifically the draft bid sheet and rate card that will form part of the procurement documentation.
This PME will be live on the InTend Portal from Monday, 8th September 2025 and will close on Monday, 29th September 2025.
Purpose of the PME
The purpose of this PME is to engage with potential providers and gather constructive feedback on the proposed bid sheet, with a particular focus on:
• Ensuring the rate card structure reflects actual service delivery and avoids inaccuracies in billing.
• Identifying how the current half-day rate card (e.g., where counsel may only be in court for two hours) could be adapted to better reflect value for money.
• Testing whether the bid sheet allows for accurate budgeting and billing, including instances where spot-purchase pricing may apply outside of the framework.
• Gathering market views on how the spreadsheet could be improved for transparency, fairness, and efficiency in billing.
o We would kindly ask if you could supply your own rate card outside of the framework on a separate spreadsheet or within the spreadsheet provided so that we can forecast any potential savings by using this Framework. For example, if the price is more by undertaking a spot-purchase agreement for certain services then this will allow evidence of cost savings during the lifetime of the Framework if said services were to be used.
Your insights will directly shape the final tender documentation, ensuring the framework is robust, commercially sound, and aligned with market practice.
How to Participate
1. The PME documents, including the draft bid sheet, are available via the InTend Portal.
2. Providers are invited to review the documents and provide written feedback through the portal.
3. Feedback should be returned no later than 29th September 2025, 17:00hrs.
Next Steps
Following the close of the PME, we will review all feedback and, where appropriate, incorporate changes into the final tender documentation for the Barristers Framework 2026. Providers who engage in this PME will not be given preferential treatment in the subsequent procurement exercise but will contribute to shaping a more effective and transparent framework.
Contact
All communication and responses must be submitted via the InTend Portal
Direct correspondence with officers outside of the portal will not be responded to.
Information regarding InTend signup and Portal
You will be added to the PME exercise via InTend. If you have any issues or queries regarding login details or passwords please use the information below.
Use our electronic tendering portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford to:
• view a list of tenders/contracts/quotations
• view information on contracts already awarded
• express interest in a particular tender or quotation
• receive tender and/or quotation documentation
• secure return your tender or quotation documents
• send and receive correspondence
Registration is free, and takes a few minutes. You will be able to express interest in any open opportunities when they become available. We can also access your details whenever we have an opportunity, and invite you to tender or quote for work.
All business will be tendered through https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford. If you do not register, it will limit your company's ability to tender for work.
Contact our support team on 0844 272 8810 or email support@in-tend.co.uk if you have problems using the portal.
If you are already a contractor with us, you can use the portal to help with contract management. this includes an updated contract register, expiry dates and regular contract reviews.
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 June 2026 to 30 May 2031
- 4 years, 11 months, 30 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 79100000 - Legal services
- 79110000 - Legal advisory and representation services
- 79111000 - Legal advisory services
- 79112000 - Legal representation services
- 79130000 - Legal documentation and certification services
- 79140000 - Legal advisory and information services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
29 September 2025
Engagement process description
Pre-Market Engagement - Barristers Framework 2026
Bedford Borough Council is seeking market feedback in preparation for the upcoming Barristers Framework 2026. The PME will run from 8th September 2025 to 29th September 2025 and focuses on the draft bid sheet and rate card to ensure accurate billing, fair value, and transparent budgeting. Suppliers are invited to access the documents and provide feedback via the InTend Portal.
Use our electronic tendering portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford to:
• view a list of tenders/contracts/quotations
• view information on contracts already awarded
• express interest in a particular tender or quotation
• receive tender and/or quotation documentation
• secure return your tender or quotation documents
• send and receive correspondence
Registration is free, and takes a few minutes. You will be able to express interest in any open opportunities when they become available. We can also access your details whenever we have an opportunity, and invite you to tender or quote for work.
All business will be tendered through https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford. If you do not register, it will limit your company's ability to tender for work.
Contact our support team on 0844 272 8810 or email support@in-tend.co.uk if you have problems using the portal.
If you are already a contractor with us, you can use the portal to help with contract management. this includes an updated contract register, expiry dates and regular contract reviews.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Contracting authority
Bedford Borough Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLCV-4616-VTHL
Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street
Bedford
MK42 9AP
United Kingdom
Region: UKH24 - Bedford
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government