CCS034 Children in Care (D2N2) - Fostering Placements

Derby City Council

Nottingham City Council

Nottinghamshire County Council

This will be an open framework scheme commencing on 1 April 2026, with the initial framework in the scheme, and expiring after a maximum period of 8 years. It is anticipated that the Council will award a minimum of two additional frameworks during the term of the open framework scheme, with the first of these being within a three-year period (in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023). The volume, frequency and timing of additional frameworks in the scheme will be based on the Councils' assessment of the required capacity within the framework and

shall be at the Councils' discretion.

Following the establishment of the framework, Providers may use the tendering process for subsequent frameworks in the framework series to both apply to join the framework or to update their original submission.

Where an established framework provider chooses not to submit a new Tender the Council will, unless otherwise instructed in writing by the Provider, automatically add them to the next framework in the series based on their previous application.

Legislative or regulatory changes that effect the validity of the framework shall be communicated to providers and in such event the Council shall have the right to terminate the Framework by giving appropriate notice.

Further Competition Call-offs

Referral Process:

(a) The commissioning Council will identify the framework providers who could deliver the service in the location required, at the appropriate cost, and who meets the specific requirements of the child.

(b) All identified providers will be sent information on the further

competition call-off opportunity. Please note where deemed

appropriate this information may include a maximum budget for the individual placement that is below that maximum framework price for the age band.

(c) Any providers interested in the opportunity will respond with their bid, and in line with what is stated on the referral.

Please note as set out above, the prices submitted by providers for further competition call-off opportunities shall include a total price and a breakdown of cost and shall be capped at the rates submitted by the provider as part of the application to join the framework and by any stated budget for the placement.

(d) The commissioning Council will assess responses and select the successful supplier based on the following criteria (in order of

precedence unless otherwise stated):

(i) Suitability to meeting the child's needs to ensure the placement is in line with child's care plan. This will include but not be limited to consideration of matching, location and Ofsted

grading.

(ii) Price

An offer will be made to successful tenderer, and where possible,

unsuccessful tenderers shall be advised of the outcome.

Direct Award Call-offs

Referral Process

(a) The commissioning Council will identify a specific framework provider who could deliver the service in the location required and who meets the specific requirements of the child

(b) An assessment shall be made to identify which provider best meets needs of the Council, based on the following criteria (in order or precedence unless otherwise stated):

(i) Suitability to meeting the child's needs to ensure the placement is in line with child's care plan. This will include but not be limited to consideration of matching, location and Ofsted grading.

(ii) Price

(a) An offer will be made to identified tenderer, either by email, or telephone, setting out the time period for providing a response. Please note where deemed appropriate the offer may include a price for the individual placement that is below that maximum framework price the Provider submitted at the time they joined the framework.

(b) The provider shall provide a response within the time period set out by the contracting authority in the offer.

In the event that the supplier does not response within the stated timescales or declines the offer, the above process will be repeated with the supplier who next best meets the requirements, or the Council may use the further competition option to establish the placement.