Scope
Reference
DN779230
Description
The Family Link Worker Service is one element of additional support, made available to Lead Practitioners in Dorset Council's Family Help teams and external Early Support partners who are supporting families in need, within the community.
The Family Link Worker service provides intensive, hands-on support to families in their homes.
A Preliminary Market Engagement Event was held on 09 July 2025 in relation to this procurement.
This is an open procedure in accordance with section 20(1) and (2)(a) of the Procurement Act 2023. The procedure does not allow for refining of the award criteria, and there is no scope to negotiate.
The Contracting Authority has not designed this contract to include Contract Lots. This being based on whether it is possible to deliver the contract under more than one contract and if so, how it might best be achieved in accordance with Section 18 of the Procurement Act 2023.
The contract will be for an initial 12 months, with three optional 12-month extension periods (1+1+1), subject to satisfactory performance and funding, giving a potential total contract period of 4 years.
The estimated annual contract value is £220,500 with a total contract value of £882,000 if all extensions are taken. Please note, these figures are exclusive of VAT
The contracting authority reserves the right to carry out a subsequent procurement of similar goods, services or works in reliance on the direct award justification in paragraph 8 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023.
Total value (estimated)
- £882,000 excluding VAT
- £969,600 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Contract will be for an initial 1 year, with three optional 12-month extension periods (1+1+1), subject to satisfactory performance and funding, giving a potential total contract period of 4 years.
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
The contracting authority reserves the right to extend or renew the term of the contract as stated above.
The contracting authority reserves the right to additional goods, services, or works while the contract is valid.
The Contracting Authority reserves the right to modify this contract during its term in accordance with Section 74(1)(a) and Paragraph 1 of Schedule 8 of the Procurement Act 2023.
These modifications may include:
The contracting authority also reserves the right to carry out a subsequent Procurement of similar goods, services or works in reliance on the direct award justification in paragraph 8 of Schedule 5 to the Procurement Act 2023.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
Contract locations
- UKK25 - Dorset
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Refer to the tender documents
Technical ability conditions of participation
Refer to the tender documents
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
6 November 2025, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
17 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Dorset Council will be using its e-tendering portal (ProContract) for the administration of this procurement process.
Suppliers must register with the system to be able to express an interest and download the tender documents. The opportunity can be searched for at this web address: https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
The portal is free to join. Dorset Council are not the owners of this portal, so if you require any further guidance on how to use the portal or experience any technical difficulties, please go to the 'help and guidance' tab.
Suppliers must register on ProContract and express an interest in this opportunity to be able to submit an application to this tender.
All correspondence or clarifications relating to this tender must be submitted via the messaging function within ProContract.
Tenderers are required to answer all of the questions and submit their completed response (including any associated documentation) by 12:00 on 17 November 2025. The tender response must be submitted via the e-tendering portal.
Tenderers will not be able to submit a response after the deadline detailed above and are advised that if their tender response (including any associated documentation) is only partially uploaded within the e-tendering portal by the closing date and time then they will not be given opportunity to complete their document upload.
Tenderers are therefore recommended to upload their full tender response well in advance of the closing date and time.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
21 January 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Quality | 90.00% |
| Social Value | Quality | 10.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
The Contracting Authority is required to make payments against valid, non-disputed invoices within a maximum of 30-days, as per Section 68 of the Procurement Act 2023.
Description of risks to contract performance
Fluctuations in funding - such as reductions or additions in budget allocations as part of the Council's budget setting processes, or as a consequence of additional funding streams which were unknown at the time of awarding the contract, but which are provided to increase the volume and scope of services delivered.
Unexpected events such as War, pandemics or other unforeseen events may disrupt the family link worker arrangements.
The changing needs and requirements of the Council and the changing demands placed on the Council by its customers.
Changes in legislation or national guidance may alter the obligations or feasibility of the arrangement.
Following the identification of the above known risks, the Contracting Authority reserves the right to modify the contract during the term of the contract in accordance with Schedule 8, Paragraph 5 of the Procurement Act 2023.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
The full set of Associated Tender Documents are being provided on the same day that the Tender Notice is published.
All Tender documents can be found at the above address.
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk/
The full set of Associated Tender Documents are being provided on the same day that the Tender Notice is published. All Tender documents can be found at the above address.
Contracting authority
Dorset Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCY-8926-WVVM
Dorset Council, County Hall, Colliton Park
Dorchester
DT1 1XJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKK25 - Dorset
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government