Scope
Reference
C072/2025/2026
Description
The Welsh Government's Programme for Government set out ambitious commitments to both develop an HIV Action Plan for Wales and tackle the stigma experienced by those living with HIV. In March 2023, the HIV Action Plan for Wales 2023-2026 was published and contains 30 actions aimed at eliminating HIV transmission within Wales and achieving zero tolerance of HIV-related stigma by 2030. Supporting people to live well with HIV is a key priority and the HIV Action Plan for Wales contains the following commitment:
A national peer support programme for Wales will be commissioned by Welsh Government, following the now concluded research work carried out by Cardiff University into the potential principles and structures of such a programme. This peer support network will provide support to all those living with HIV that require it.
A recent report on 'Living well with HIV in Wales' (https://nat.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/HIV-Outcomes-Living-Well-With-HIV-in-Wales.pdf), produced by HIV Outcomes UK and Fast Track Cymru analysed the Welsh Government's progress in delivering the 'Living well with HIV' priority within the HIV Action Plan and the challenges that Welsh communities living with HIV face. The report findings in relation to peer support are set out below:
• While there are welcome commitments in the HIV Action Plan to commission peer support services this is yet to come to fruition.
• Currently, the vast majority of people in Wales living with HIV are only able to access support online.
• The lack of community-based peer support in Wales has a negative impact on the mental health and wellbeing of people living with HIV.
• To support communities to live well with HIV, Welsh Government must ensure that services meet BHIVA Standards of Care for Living with HIV. These standards state that everyone living with HIV should have access to peer support.
• The lack of peer support affects the whole Welsh population living with HIV but is particularly pronounced in rural communities.
• Peer support can play a key role in addressing challenges which older people living with HIV may be more likely to experience, such as loneliness and isolation. Having peer support provision in clinics with someone who is trained appropriately, including on social prescribing and coaching, would support care coordination and person-centred care among older people.
• The Welsh Government should ensure that services are culturally competent and designed to meet the intersecting needs of different communities living with HIV.
The Welsh Government wishes to tender for the provision of a national Peer Support Programme for those living with HIV in Wales, with an initial two-year contract to commence from 02 February 2026.
This tender requirement has been guided by the research commissioned from Cardiff University (Planning a new peer support service for people living with HIV in Wales: The first steps - News - Cardiff University (https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/news/view/2687395-planning-a-new-peer-support-service-for-people-living-with-hiv-in-wales-the-first-steps).
Bidders are invited to submit Bids to be awarded the Contract for HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales. The Welsh Government is using eTenderwales https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk- Please log into eTenderwales to access the tender documents and submit your tender responses (see Special instructions below).
ITT responses must be uploaded to the eTenderwales BravoSolution portal by 2pm on 24/11/25 How To Find The ITT:- Once logged in you must click on 'PQQs/ITT's Open to all Suppliers'- The e-tender references for this contract are: project_6104, itt_120980 - HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales C072/2025/2026.
Total value (estimated)
- £300,000 excluding VAT
- £360,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 2 February 2026 to 1 February 2028
- Possible extension to 1 February 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Contract will be for a two (2) year term with the possibility of up to an optional further two (2) years extension 1+1 years, with a decision on the extension period to be made by the client, in line with the Contract terms and conditions, based on policy requirements and budget availability. Subject always to the procurement exercise progressing in accordance with the Client's indicative timetable it is anticipated that the Contract will commence circa 02/02/2026.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85322000 - Community action programme
- 85323000 - Community health services
- 79990000 - Miscellaneous business-related services
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Participation
Conditions of participation
As per the tender documents
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
17 November 2025, 2:00pm
Tender submission deadline
24 November 2025, 2:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
https://etenderwales.bravosolution.co.uk- NOTE: The authority is using eTenderwales to carry out this procurement process. The first person from your Organisation to use the Platform will be required to register on behalf of the Organisation.- Registration involves accepting a User Agreement, and providing basic information about your Organisation and about the User performing the Registration.- The User who performs the Registration becomes the Super User for the Organisation.- On registering on the Platform the Super User will select a Username and will receive a password.- The Password will be sent by e-mail to the email address that was specified in the User Details section of the Registration page.- In order to log-in to the Platform please enter your Username and Password.- Note: If you forget your Password then visit the homepage and click "Forgot your password?"- Registration should only be performed once for each Organisation.- If you think that someone in your Organisation may have already registered on this Platform then you must not register again.- Please contact the person who Registered (i.e. the Super User) in order to arrange access to the Platform.- Contact the Helpdesk immediately if you are unable to contact the Super User (for example if they have left your Organisation).- Note: If your Organisation is already registered on the Platform then you must not make any additional registration.
ITT responses must be uploaded to the BravoSolution portal by 2pm on 24/11/25 How To Find The ITT:- Once logged in you must click on 'PQQs/ITT's Open to all Suppliers'- The e-tender references for this contract are: project_6104, itt_120980 - HIV Peer Support Programme for Wales C072/2025/2026. Click on the title to access summary details of the contract. If you are still interested in submitting a tender, click the 'Express an Interest button'. This will move the PQQ/ITT from the 'Open to all Suppliers' area to the 'My PQQ/ITT's' on the home page.- You will then see the full details of the Tender in the qualification and technical envelopes along with any relevant documents in the 'Attachments' area.- Should you have any questions on the Tender, please use the 'Messages' area to contact the buyer directly - Please do not contact the named person at the top of this notice.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Demonstrate understanding and planned approach to deliver project requirements | Demonstrate understanding and planned approach to deliver project requirements |
Quality | 20.00% |
| Demonstrate expertise and evidence of ability to undertake requirements | Demonstrate expertise and evidence of ability to undertake requirements |
Quality | 20.00% |
| Demonstrate cohesive and comprehensive customer service and collaboration with other organisations | Demonstrate cohesive and comprehensive customer service and collaboration with other organisations |
Quality | 20.00% |
| Price (Commercial Response) Criteria | Lowest price |
Cost | 20.00% |
| Demonstrate record and finance management processes | Demonstrate record and finance management processes |
Quality | 10.00% |
| Ability to handle and manage sensitive and personal information | Ability to handle and manage sensitive and personal information |
Quality | 10.00% |
Procedure
Procedure type
Below threshold - open competition
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQYQ-3841-BHTP
Gwasanaethau Caffael Corfforaethol / Corporate Procurement Services
Cardiff
CF10 3NQ
United Kingdom
Email: CPSProcurementAdvice@gov.wales
Website: http://gov.wales
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales