Scope
Reference
W213158
Description
DHSC are seeking to test the market, and are intending to use this market engagement to engage further with potential providers to understand capabilities. At a minimum, we expect that supplier's will be able to:
Provide tailored expert 1:1 support to high potential candidates in completing the specialist registration by portfolio assessment (SRbPA) route by providing feedback on the pre-application and portfolio commentaries, including fulfilling UKPHR’s mandatory knowledge and ‘show-hows’.
The prospective contract is proposed to have an initial term of three years, with a total value of £145,000. Following the completion of this initial period, DHSC retains the right to further extend the contract for a subsequent two-year period. Any decision to exercise this further extension would be contingent upon securing additional governance approvals and confirmation of the necessary budget. The approximate value of this extension period is £97,000.
Total value (estimated)
- £145,000 excluding VAT
- £175,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 80510000 - Specialist training services
- 80320000 - Medical education services
- 80561000 - Health training services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
23 January 2026
Engagement process description
The Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) is optional. The purpose is to advise suppliers of the forthcoming Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) procurement exercise that is expected to be launched February 2026. The aim is to seek feedback from potential bidders and existing providers that may inform the final approach to the procurement.
The Preliminary Market Engagement Event will be held via Microsoft Teams between 10:00 - 12:00 on Tuesday 13th January 2026.
We will then be seeking feedback via a Q&A doc which will be issued following the live PME.
If you are interested in this opportunity please email ccsinbox@dhsc.gov.uk referencing 'W213158 National SRbPA Support Scheme' as the subject title.
If your organisation is unable to attend the PME event, we would nevertheless welcome any feedback which you may wish to provide. Please be assured that non-attendance at the event does not affect your eligibility to participate in future procurement opportunities related to this PME. Your input is valued and you remain eligible to bid for subsequent procurements associated with this engagement.
For the avoidance of doubt, this is not a call for competition and DHSC are under no obligation to proceed with any formal procurement procedure. The market engagement exercise is being used as an opportunity to gather feedback to better understand market capabilities, refine the procurement strategy, and encourage supplier engagement.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
23 February 2026
Procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Department of Health & Social Care
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMQG-9965-CHZR
39 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0EU
United Kingdom
Contact name: Sinead Cairns
Email: ccsinbox@dhsc.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-of-health-and-social-care
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government