Scope
Reference
CP2706-25
Description
Devon County Council is seeking to secure a suitably qualified and experienced provider or providers (working in partnership) to provide 10 to 12 children's homes, 3 to 4 therapeutic school and high needs foster carers within a strategic partnering arrangement for 10 years. These homes and schools will support children and young people who face the most complex challenges.
Bidder Event:
Providers are invited to attend a Provider Information Event which will be held via Microsoft Teams on Friday 19th September 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM.
This session will provide an overview of the tender process and offer an opportunity for providers to gain a better understanding of the requirements and expectations.
To register your interest and secure a place at the event, please complete the registration form via the following link: Growing Futures Bidder Event - Registration: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gzehjWjLP0S7S5l_d_1b-8-nTsG00hVFirg3XW0XaTRUNTZUTjNJOEJJOExMMklMNVQ2N0RQWk80MS4u.
When registering, kindly include your name, company name, and email address.
Following registration, a Microsoft Teams calendar invitation will be sent to you to confirm your attendance.
Total value (estimated)
- £156,000,000 excluding VAT
- £156,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2036
- 9 years, 11 months, 28 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKK4 - Devon
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
The conditions relating to Legal and Financial Capacity are outlined in the supporting Procurement Documentation and the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.
These conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the methodologies detailed within both documents.
All supporting documents are available via the tendering portal: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Technical ability conditions of participation
The conditions relating to Technical Ability requirements are outlined in the supporting Procurement Documentation and the Procurement Specific Questionnaire.
These conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the methodologies detailed within both documents.
All supporting documentation is available via the tendering portal: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
29 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Requests to participate
Deadline for requests to participate
6 October 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The tender documents associated with this procurement are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at the Authority's e-tendering portal (Procontract)
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Direct link to the competition advert on the Authority's e-tendering portal (Procontract):
Click on the Competition Advert link and you can then express an interest in this opportunity by clicking the green button "Log in and register interest in this opportunity".
Once you have expressed an interest, the system will automatically allow you access to the project documentation that will be stored within "My Activities" in your account on the system.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
16 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 80.00% |
| Price | Price | 20.00% |
Other information
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Competitive flexible procedure description
Under the Competitive Flexible Procedure, the following process stages will apply:
1. PSQ: This initial stage involves issuing a PSQ to potential suppliers. It helps assess a supplier's suitability, experience, financial standing, and compliance with essential criteria before inviting the supplier to submit a tender.
2. PSQ Evaluation: The PSQs are reviewed and scored. Suppliers who meet the required standards will be shortlisted to proceed to the next stage.
3. Dialogue to enhance the specification: A dialogue phase is conducted with the shortlisted suppliers to refine and clarify the project requirements.
4. Tender submissions: Suppliers are then invited to submit formal bids based on the finalised specification. This will include pricing and detailed proposals.
5. Presentations (if required): Suppliers may be invited to present their proposals. This allows the project team to assess their understanding, approach, and value proposition more thoroughly.
6. Evaluation/ Site Visits (if required): Submitted tenders will then be evaluated against predefined criteria such as cost, quality, innovation, and compliance. Scoring is done by a panel/s.
7. Due Diligence and Contract Finalisation Dialogue Period: Before awarding the contract, further checks are conducted on the Intended Successful Supplier to validate supplier claims (e.g., financial health, references). Final negotiations may occur to agree on contract terms.
8. Contract Award: The successful Supplier is formally awarded the contract, and the procurement process concludes.
Contracting authority
Devon County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJRC-4623-RJBH
County Hall, Topsham Road,
Exeter,
EX2 4QD
United Kingdom
Contact name: Iain Perkins
Telephone: +441392383000
Email: iain.perkins@devon.gov.uk
Website: https://www.devon.gov.uk
Region: UKK43 - Devon CC
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government