Scope
Reference
CN250239
Description
Kent County Council (the Council) is seeking providers (referred to in this notice as Tenderers) of Care Quality Commission (CQC) registered residential and nursing care homes within the geographic boundary of Kent, to provide facilities, accommodation and care for individuals who require support due to age, disability, or health conditions, to join a new Older Persons Residential and Nursing (OPRN) Care Homes Services Open Framework.
An open framework allows for the award of successive frameworks on substantially the same terms. This notice relates to the opportunity to apply to be admitted to the First Framework of the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme.
Care homes should promote safety, dignity, and quality of life, while ensuring that People who draw on care and support receive tailored support to meet their individual needs.
The Service Specification has been designed to incorporate the provision of accommodation, care, support, and meaningful activities for individuals, residing in a Care Home setting as their own home, either temporarily or long-term. The Service should enhance an Individual's quality of life by offering a safe, manageable, and comfortable living environment, and a range of care and support, from assistance with daily living tasks to comprehensive nursing care for those with complex medical needs.
The Services under the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme and Framework Agreement are 'light touch' and are governed by the rules relating to light touch contracts under the Procurement Act 2023.
The Council intends, but is in no way obliged to, re-open the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme on the first anniversary, the third anniversary and the fifth anniversary, where the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme continues for the full term of 8 years.
The estimated values set out in this Tender Notice are on the basis that the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme continues for 8 years, on the basis of 4+4 years. The term of the Third Framework in the Scheme will be 1+1 years, to account for the extension period. The Council does not guarantee that the framework will continue for the full term of 8 years.
The estimated value of the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme over the 8-year term is £2.2bn (inclusive of VAT) but this estimate is purely indicative and is subject to amendment prior to the publishing of any future Tender Notices and associated tender documentation. The estimated value of this First Framework is £275,000,000 (inclusive of VAT).
No guarantee is given as to the actual value of any Frameworks under the Kent OPRN Open Framework Scheme, or any call-off contracts entered under any framework agreement. This estimated value is by no means a commitment to spend.
The organisation of local government is undergoing reform and the Council anticipates a change to the responsibilities of the delivery of adult social care in the administrative area of Kent County Council. The Framework Agreement and Open Framework Scheme can be used by the Council on its own behalf and on behalf of the Relevant NHS Body (as defined in the Framework Agreement) and or any successor body of the Council, or Contracting Authority that delivers adult social care services in the geographical area of Kent County Council during the term of the Open Framework Scheme.
The Council has duly considered the use of lots and has divided this procurement into 3 Lots based on categories of need, as below:
•Lot 1 - Residential Care, consisting of the following services:
(A)Residential Standard
(B)Residential High
•Lot 2 - Nursing Care, consisting of the following services:
(A)Nursing Standard
(B)Nursing High
(C)Highly Specialised and Complex Care (this is optional, in addition to Lot 2(a) and (b)).
•Lot 3 - Bariatric Care
Tenderers must be able to deliver both the 'standard' and 'high' level of care required in each Lot they tender for, within each care home if they operate more than one. Lot 2C is optional in addition to Nursing Standard and Nursing High and may not be applied for as a stand-alone lot. Tenderers are referred to the contract documentation for full details.
Lot 3 may only be delivered by a successful Tenderer also awarded a contract for Lot 1 and/or Lot 2. Lot 3 cannot be awarded as 'stand-alone' Service. Tenderers will be required to self-certify that they can provide all of the essential equipment requirements for the delivery of bariatric care in accordance with the Specification prior to the award of a contract; the Council will conduct due diligence consisting of a site visit of any Tenderer that tenders for Lot 3 prior to the award of any contract to verify the Tenderer's response. Tenderers are referred to the Invitation to Tender (ITT) for full details.
The Council is seeking to award multiple contracts for each of the Lots.
Application is via the Council's e-sourcing system, which is accessible here: https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk
Further information on this opportunity can be found within the ITT.
If you experience any technical difficulties accessing the ITT, then please contact the Delta eSourcing Helpdesk on call 0800 923 9236 or email helpdesk@delta-esourcing.com.
To view this notice, please click here:
https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=996590257
Commercial tool
Establishes an open framework
Total value (estimated)
- £2,217,051,660 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030
- Possible extension to 31 December 2034
- 8 years
Description of possible extension:
Extension of up to 4 additional years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85311000 - Social work services with accommodation
- 85311100 - Welfare services for the elderly
Not the same for all lots
Contract locations are shown in Lot sections, because they are not the same for all lots.
Lot 1. Residential Care
Description
A)Residential Standard: Residential care homes aim to create a homelike environment, offering communal living spaces, meals, and recreational activities to foster social interaction and a sense of community. Residential Care provides support with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility. Residential care is suitable for individuals who do not require regular medical attention but need assistance with their overall well-being and safety.
B)Residential High: Residential High Needs Care refers to specialised, intensive support provided within a residential care home setting for individuals who have significant and complex needs. These needs can stem from physical disabilities, chronic medical conditions, mental health issues, or developmental disabilities that require round-the-clock care and supervision.
Lot value (estimated)
- £1,485,813,182 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Nursing Care
Description
A) Nursing Standard: Nursing Care provides support for individuals with medical needs or chronic health conditions that require regular or continuous medical oversight, within nursing homes. Nursing homes are often more clinical in nature than residential homes, equipped with medical facilities to cater to high-level care needs, while still offering some social and recreational activities.
B) Nursing High: Nursing High Needs Care refers to the provision of advanced, multifaceted care that addresses the needs of patients with multiple, serious, or chronic health conditions, within nursing homes. This type of care typically involves managing intricate medical, physical, psychological, and social factors. It requires specialised knowledge, critical thinking, and coordination across disciplines to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
C) Nursing Highly Specialised and Complex Care: Nursing Highly Specialised and Complex Care is for individuals with severe cognitive impairment and/or complex mental health needs and/or behaviours that challenge, beyond the requirements of Nursing High Needs Care. This is an optional element of the Services to be delivered under Lot 2, and Tenderers will be asked to identify in the tender documentation whether they are applying for Lot 2(C) in addition to Lot 2(A) and (B).
Lot value (estimated)
- £722,108,540 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Contract locations
- UKJ4 - Kent
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Bariatric Care
Description
Bariatric care in a residential care home refers to specialised care and support for Individuals living with obesity or morbid obesity. This type of care focuses on addressing the physical, emotional, and medical needs of Individuals with significant weight-related challenges while promoting their dignity, safety, and quality of life.
Lot 3 may only be delivered by a successful Tenderer which is also awarded a contract for Lot 1 and/or Lot 2. Lot 3 cannot be awarded as 'stand-alone' Service. Tenderers will be required to self-certify that they can provide all of the essential equipment requirements for the delivery of bariatric care in accordance with the Specification prior to the award of a contract; the Council will conduct due diligence consisting of a site visit of any Tenderer that tenders for Lot 3 prior to the award of any contract to verify the Tenderer's response.
Lot value (estimated)
- £9,129,938 including VAT
Framework lot values may be shared with other lots
Same for all lots
CPV classifications and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Framework
Open framework scheme end date (estimated)
31 December 2034
Maximum number of suppliers
Unlimited
Maximum percentage fee charged to suppliers
0%
Framework operation description
Prices from a range will be selected by suppliers for each lot they wish to deliver with variances based on geographical location. Ranking of suppliers for call-off purposes will be based on a combination of selected rate and a quarterly quality score, with user choice being an overriding criteria
Award method when using the framework
Either with or without competition
Contracting authorities that may use the framework
Establishing party only
Participation
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Residential Care
Lot 2. Nursing Care
Lot 3. Bariatric Care
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
26 January 2026, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
9 February 2026, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
1 July 2026
Award criteria
Lot 1. Residential Care
Lot 2. Nursing Care
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CQC Registration | CQC Registration |
Quality |
Weighting description
Demonstration of appropriate CQC registration and confirmation of ability to deliver the specification, for the Tenderer and each care home they operate. Please refer to the ITT for full details.
Lot 3. Bariatric Care
| Name | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| CQC Registration | CQC Registration |
Quality |
| Site Visit | Site Visit |
Quality |
Weighting description
Demonstration of appropriate CQC registration and confirmation of ability to deliver the specification, for the Tenderer and each care home they operate. To be awarded a place for Lot 3, Tenderers must have been successful and awarded Lot 1 and/or Lot 2. The Tenderer will be required to verify to the Council by a site visit to the relevant Care Home that they have appropriate facilities to deliver the Lot 3 services. Please refer to the ITT for full details.
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Contracting authority
Kent County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLDL-8938-YGYW
Sessions House
Maidstone
ME14 1XX
United Kingdom
Email: cpd-peopleteam@kent.gov.uk
Region: UKJ45 - Mid Kent
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government