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 | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | Detailed award criteria, will be provided as part of the Invitation to Tender documentation following the conclusion of the dialogue phase. |
Quality | 80.00% |
| Price | Detailed award criteria, will be provided as part of the Invitation to Tender documentation following the conclusion of the dialogue phase. |
Price | 20.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
See document: CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner Service Specification
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.
Site Visits: To ensure Children and Young People are meaningfully involved in the Dialogue Phase, the Authority has decided to conduct site visits prior to its commencement. This adjustment will help participants prepare more effectively for the dialogue sessions, with the aim of informing the specification in collaboration with successful Providers. The approach aligns with paragraphs 5.6 and 20.2 of the Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) Introductory and Explanatory Document. Providers who meet the PSQ requirements-covering the Exclusion Regime, Conditions of Participation, and quality thresholds-will be notified of their scheduled site visit. Each Provider must propose one Home. While a South West location is preferred for logistical reasons, Providers without a presence in the region will not be disadvantaged. Assessment areas may include environment and relationships, activities and education, and support for future ambitions, with final topics confirmed before visits commence.
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: Submitted tenders will then be evaluated against predefined criteria such as cost, quality, innovation, and compliance.
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.
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
Titles of documents:
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner PSQ Introductory Document 04.09.2025
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner PSQ Response Document 04.09.2025
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner Service Specification
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner PCG
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner Master Performance Bond
CP2706-25 Growing Futures - Strategic Partner PSN Agreement
Documents to be provided after the tender notice
The terms and conditions, along with the detailed award criteria, will be provided as part of the Invitation to Tender documentation following the conclusion of the dialogue phase.
This will be issued via the Authority's e-tendering portal (Procontract) https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
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