Planning

The Supply of Care Equipment for Daily Living

  • Cumberland Council

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-070873

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-0524f3 (view related notices)

Published 4 November 2025, 2:14pm



Scope

Description

Cumberland Council is recommissioning its Daily Living Equipment Service and is seeking suppliers input to help shape the future delivery model.

We currently operate a retail model, where individuals assessed by the council or NHS receive a prescription for small aids / equipment to support daily living. This prescription can be redeemed at one of our framework retailers, who are then reimbursed by the council based on set tariffs for each item. Retailers also provide delivery and fitting services (where required) within a reasonable distance, reimbursed at a fixed rate. A standard handling fee is paid for each prescription fulfilled.

As part of this work, we are exploring whether to continue with the retail model or consider alternative approaches. Your feedback will help us understand market perspectives, assess the effectiveness of the current model, and identify opportunities for innovation or improvement.

We invite suppliers to complete a short questionnaire to share their views and complete the tariff spreadsheet which is available via the Chest Procurement portal. For further details and to access the pre-market engagement documents, use the council's online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk. Registration on The Chest is free.

https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=a58ece6e-81b9-f011-813a-005056b64545

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 10 May 2026 to 9 May 2028
  • Possible extension to 9 May 2030
  • 4 years

Main procurement category

Goods

CPV classifications

  • 33196000 - Medical aids

Contract locations

  • UKD1 - Cumbria

Engagement

Engagement deadline

28 November 2025

Engagement process description

Cumberland Council is recommissioning its Daily Living Equipment Service and is seeking suppliers input to help shape the future delivery model.

We currently operate a retail model, where individuals assessed by the council or NHS receive a prescription for small aids / equipment to support daily living. This prescription can be redeemed at one of our framework retailers, who are then reimbursed by the council based on set tariffs for each item. Retailers also provide delivery and fitting services (where required) within a reasonable distance, reimbursed at a fixed rate. A standard handling fee is paid for each prescription fulfilled.

As part of this work, we are exploring whether to continue with the retail model or consider alternative approaches. Your feedback will help us understand market perspectives, assess the effectiveness of the current model, and identify opportunities for innovation or improvement.

We invite suppliers to complete a short questionnaire and tariff spreadsheet using the links on the Chest Procurement Portal. For further details and to access use the council's online procurement portal - The Chest - https://www.the-chest.org.uk. Registration on The Chest is free. Further engagement may take place following the questionnaire via online teams meeting which will be advertised via the Chest Procurement Portal.


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Contracting authority

Cumberland Council

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PJGX-9191-DYLV

Cumbria House, 107-117 Botchergate

Carlisle

CA1 1RD

United Kingdom

Region: UKD12 - East Cumbria

Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government