Official UK procurement notice
CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon
Authority: Devon County Council (Local council)
Devon County Council has established an Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon and is now opening its second Entry Point. Short breaks are play and leisure opportunities which support disabled children to go to new places, spend time with friends, take part in fun and enjoyable activities, develop their independence, and try new things. A short break gives parents, carers, and families a chance to have time out and rest from caring responsibilities. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority. This email address must only be used to arrange attendance for this event. Published lot titles: Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years; Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17); Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years.
What is being bought3 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionDevon County Council has established an Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon and is now opening its second Entry Point.
Short breaks are play and leisure opportunities which support disabled children to go to new places, spend time with friends, take part in fun and enjoyable activities, develop their independence, and try new things. These activities could be in the family home, in the community or other residential setting. A short break gives parents, carers, and families a chance to have time out and rest from caring responsibilities. Short breaks can last from a couple of hours to an evening, overnight, or weekend and can be offered during daytimes, evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Recognising that every child, young person, and family is unique, Devon County Council will secure a diverse range of high-quality short breaks provision ensuring that support is proportionate, accessible, and responsive.
This Framework enables Devon County Council to call-off and award individual packages and block contracts for placements to approved Framework Suppliers.
The Open Light Touch Framework is anticipated to continue for a period of five (5) years unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority. It is anticipated that there will be two (2) Entry Points in the first year and then one (1) Entry Point every other year for the duration of the Open Framework. However, the Authority reserves the right to have more Entry Points at its discretion.
The Framework comprises the following Lots:
Lot 1: Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years
Lot 2: Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14 to 17 years)
Lot 3: Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years
Suppliers may bid for one or more lots.
Prospective bidders are invited to a tender launch event for this opportunity to familiarise themselves with the tender documentation and process. This will be held online as a Microsoft Teams meeting at 09:30 on 20th November 2026.
To book their place, interested parties should email: [email protected] and then a Teams invitation will be sent to them.
This email address must only be used to arrange attendance for this event. Any other questions in
relation to this tender must be raised via the messaging section of the tendering portal www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk ↗.
- The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 13 Nov 2028, 23:59 GMT.
- No preliminary market engagement: N/A
CPV: Health and social work services · Other community, social and personal services
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
- Call-offs
- call-offs may be awarded directly or by further competition
- Framework period
- 2 yrs from 24 Feb 2027
- Scheme runs until
- 2 Nov 2034
Published description of the framework
An 'open framework' is a scheme of successive frameworks awarded on substantially the same terms. New providers can Bid and be added each time the framework is reopened. The existing framework ends and a new framework begins after each reopening process. In compliance with Section 49 of the Act an Open Framework must re-open at least once during the first three (3) years and then at least once during the following five (5) year period.
Each time a Framework is reopened for Bids, this will be known as an Entry Point. The Framework Agreements entered into after each Entry Point will be known by the successive Framework number. e.g. the initial Framework linked to Entry Point 1 will be known as Framework One, the subsequent Framework linked to Entry Point 2 will be known as Framework Two and so on.
It is anticipated that there will be two (2) Entry Points in the first year (Entry Point 1 opened July 2026 and closed August 2026) and one (1) Entry Point every other year for the duration of the Open Framework.
However, the Authority reserves the right to have more Entry Points at its discretion. A Tender Notice will be published on the Platform each time the Framework is re-opened.
Existing Providers who were previously appointed onto one or more Lot(s) of the Open Framework will automatically be appointed onto the subsequent Framework(s) and will not need to take any action in response to the re-opening of the Framework unless:
- they choose to submit a new Bid in response to an Entry Point, or
- they request in writing that the Authority does not appoint them onto one or more Lot(s) of the new Framework following the re-opening of an Entry Point
Bidders who are successful in a bid will be appointed onto the Open Framework by entering into a Framework Agreement, with Devon County Council (DCC)
Placements and packages of work under any of the Lots will then be awarded via a further competition process or a call-off without competition. A full explanation of the processes can be found within the Framework Terms and Conditions.
Note that DCC cannot give Framework providers any guarantee of receiving referrals, business or of the actual value of any Contracts awarded under the Framework.
Usage and values of Contracts may be affected by the implementation of Local Government Reorganisation (LGR). Further information on LGR can be found in the ITT document.
Bidders are required to complete a Provision and Price schedule for the Lot(s) they are bidding for. The prices submitted will not be evaluated, however they will be used at Call-off Contract stage where costs submitted cannot exceed those stated in the Provision and Price Schedule (taking into account any agreed fee increase as per the Fee and Inflationary Uplift Protocol). This Protocol can be viewed in Appendix 8 of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document.
Lots and requirements (3)Procurement structure
3 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lotLot #1Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 yearsPublished value£14,400,000
This lot covers targeted short breaks provision for children aged up to 13 years old with disabilities, who have been assessed as requiring targeted support. Services will provide structured, inclusive, and enjoyable activities that promote social connection, confidence, early independence skills, and positive experiences outside the family home.
- Economic & financial standing
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
- Technical & professional ability
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
Lot #2Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)Published value£9,600,000
This lot provides targeted short breaks for adolescents aged 14-17 years old with disabilities, delivering age appropriate support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Provision will focus on developing the skills, confidence, and real world experiences young people need now and as they prepare for adulthood, in line with preparing for Adulthood.
- Economic & financial standing
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
- Technical & professional ability
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
Lot #3Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 yearsPublished value£20,000,000
This lot covers specialist short breaks provision for children and young people up to age of 17 years old with complex and multiple needs who require highly individualised support to ensure safety,
wellbeing, and meaningful participation. Children and young people within this lot typically have significant needs across education, health, and social care, and may require 1:1 support or enhanced staffing ratios.
- Economic & financial standing
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
- Technical & professional ability
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
What it takes to wini
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add morei
How this buyer will score bids.
The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).
Published award criteria (1)
- Quality
- Economic & financial standing
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
- Technical & professional ability
The conditions of participation relating to the legal
and financial capacity and technical ability are set
out in the procurement documents, in the
procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions
of participation will be assessed in accordance with
the assessment methodologies detailed in the
procurement specific questionnaire.
- “CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.
Competition analysis · published record, not a forecast of who will bid
How Devon County Council buys Health and social work services (CPV 85), and who usually turns up
Devon County Council’s published record next to the market for the same work. Compared with other frameworks and DPS only. Whole-market view: Health and social work services (CPV 85) →
How the contest usually goes
Winner shares use published awards; bid and price charts use contested lots.
i
How often small and medium firms win.
Share of awards where the winner’s size is known.
The counts under this question show how many awards have a known supplier size.
Small firms have won here. Neither number says whether you qualify; it describes who has been winning. 503 known-size awards sit across 48 procurements, so one procurement can dominate this percentage.
i
How often local firms win similar work.
Winners with a registered address in the delivery region, out of awards with a known address.
Local means the winner is registered in the region where that award was delivered. The market figure counts awards delivered in South West England.
A local branch does not count if the registered address is elsewhere.
Most of this buyer’s recorded winners were registered outside the region where that award was delivered. 532 known-location awards sit across 48 procurements, so one procurement can dominate this percentage.
i
How long buyers here take to decide after bids close.
Middle value in days from the bid deadline to the award date, on competitions that published both.
Only decided tenders count, so slow ones still waiting are not in.
Half of these awards have an award date within 54 days of the bid deadline.
i
How often work is awarded with no recorded rival.
Direct awards and tenders where every published lot count shows one bid.
The market share is a minimum: some awards have no bid count.
Thin markets produce this too; it is not proof of a tailored specification.
Missing bid counts may hide more single-bid awards. This share is a minimum.
How many bids did past lots attract?
i
How many bids past lots received.
Each colour is a bid-count range. Only competed lots with a published count are included.
Past bids do not predict this tender.
1 bid0% / 1%
2–319% / 8%
4–66% / 26%
7+74% / 65%
How did awards compare with estimates?
i
Where winning prices landed against estimates.
Awards below, close to or above the estimate, per lot. The buyer side adds below-threshold contracts with a pre-award estimate; an award inside a published range counts as close.
On a framework or DPS, prices are agreed when work is called off.
Past prices are a guide, not a bid price.
Not comparable on a framework or DPS: the price is set later, on each call-off.
Assess each lot i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
i
What past awards tell you about each lot.
See the forecast, this buyer’s earlier suppliers and firms with relevant wins.
No supplier is confirmed as a bidder.
Open a lot for its forecast, this buyer’s previous supplier and possible competitors, from published award history, not a bid list
Lot #1Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 yearsCPV 85Published estimate£14m
This lot lists more than one class in CPV 85. The comparison uses that group.
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid2%
2–36%
4–67%
7+85%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1.3m11 awards in 36m · last 1 month ago | 1 live · £880k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=1 | |
| 7 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 2 live · £159m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 3 awards in 36m · last 6 months ago | 1 live · £680k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 1 award in 36m · last 12 months ago | 1 live · £834k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=1 | |
| 2 awards in 36m · last 19 months ago | None on file | no comparable pairs |
Lot #2Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)CPV 85Published estimate£9.6m
This lot lists more than one class in CPV 85. The comparison uses that group.
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid2%
2–39%
4–68%
7+81%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £1.3m11 awards in 36m · last 1 month ago | 1 live · £880k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=1 | |
WECIL LtdGroup company | £3.9m6 awards in 36m · last 9 months ago | 2 live · £1.2m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=2 |
| 7 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 2 live · £159m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 3 awards in 36m · last 6 months ago | 1 live · £680k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 1 award in 36m · last 12 months ago | 1 live · £834k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=1 |
Lot #3Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 yearsCPV 85Published estimate£20m
This lot lists more than one class in CPV 85. The comparison uses that group.
i
How many bids this lot may attract.
The forecast uses similar past competitions. The bar shows either that forecast or past bid counts; the line below says which.
Each lot shows its own forecast based on its own category; forecasts for different lots of the same notice are not comparative.
A forecast, not a list of bidders.
1 bid1%
2–35%
4–66%
7+88%
i
Where the award price may land.
The forecast uses similar awards and the buyer’s estimate. The band covers the middle half of likely prices.
No comparable awards for this lot yet.
A statistical guide from past awards, not a price to bid.
Who has supplied this buyer on similar work? i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
i
Who has done similar work for this buyer.
Past contracts are matched by buyer, title and type of work.
A past supplier may not bid again.
No earlier contract of this buyer matches this lot on the published record.
Who could compete for this lot? i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
i
Who could compete for this lot?
Firms with relevant past wins. On a framework, we show firms on that agreement.
None is confirmed as a bidder.
| Supplier | Won in this category | Live contracts | Award vs estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| £32m54 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 2 live · £130k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=2 | |
| £1.3m11 awards in 36m · last 1 month ago | 1 live · £880k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | at estimate n=1 | |
PotensLarge | £37k3 awards in 36m · last 19 months ago | 1 live · £37k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
| 7 awards in 36m · last 4 months ago | 2 live · £159m iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs | |
| 3 awards in 36m · last 6 months ago | 1 live · £680k iPublic contracts this supplier still holds. Its awards whose published end date is still in the future, with their values. Many contracts publish no end date, so this is a floor, not the whole book. Unexpired says nothing about spare capacity. | no comparable pairs |
About this data
- Source. Official UK public procurement notices (Find a Tender and Contracts Finder), reused under the Open Government Licence v3.0. New notices arrive through the day; the figures are rebuilt nightly. Contracts Finder appears in live search, the Retender Radar, contract pages, organisation counts, the earlier contracts and past suppliers on a tender's competition panel, the buyer's decision figure and its award against estimate; the other analytical figures are built from Find a Tender notices.
- Two views, kept apart. The authority’s own track record and the wider market for the same kind of work sit side by side and are never mixed. Where the local picture is too thin, a figure widens to a broader market and says which one it used.
- Forecasts are labelled. The price forecast and its range, possible competitors and the earlier-work matches are our estimates from past awards: not published facts, not win chances and not price advice. Official notices do not say who is bidding.
- Every figure shows what it rests on. Not every notice publishes a bid count, a value or a delivery region, so each figure carries the number of records behind it, and one built on few records is marked as such. The on a figure explains it; the counting rules are in the methodology. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
Procedure terms & legal framework
From the official record- Procedure method
- Open procedure
- Legal basis
- UKPGA · 2023/54 Procurement Act 2023
- Procurement category
- Services
- Notice status
- Open for tender
- Procurement threshold
- Above threshold (FTS publication)
- Regulatory regime
- Light touch regime
- Commercial structure
- Open framework scheme
- Who may use this agreement
- Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
- Competition type
- Competitive procedure
- GPA / WTO covered
- Yes (GPA)
- Recurring procurement
- Yes · next expected 13 Nov 2028
- First published
- 12 Nov 2026, 11:13 GMT
- Last source update
- 12 Nov 2026, 11:13 GMT
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 11 Feb 2027
- Authority reference
CP2632-25- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-107462- Latest notice
- Tender notice (UK4)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-07ba57Find a Tender- Contract terms summary
The terms and conditions for payments can be found within the competition documents pack.
How to participate & submission route
Official notice Submit via ProContract (Due North)- Requests to participate (first stage)
- —
- Appointment period ends
- 14 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Clarification deadline
- 7 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
Suppliers can access the business opportunity via Supplying the South West Procurement portal at www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk ↗
Register your expression of interest to the advert and then automatic access will be provided to the competition documentation, terms and conditions and any supporting information. This information can be downloaded for completion.
Your submission can be started on the same system/page where you downloaded the documentation, where you can then upload your completed competition documentation. The authority does not accept submission from any other method.
Further information regarding submissions can be viewed in Section 5 (Submission Instructions) of the Invitation to Tender (ITT) document.
Timeline
12 Nov 2026 → 24 Feb 2027 · 5 dates- Tender notice published1h ago12 Nov 2026, 11:13 GMT
- Today12 Nov 2026
- Clarification questions byin 24 days7 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Admission / appointment period endsin 31 days · period end, not a bid countdown14 Dec 2026, 12:00 GMT
- Award decision expected byin 91 days11 Feb 2027, 23:59 GMT
- Contract startsin 103 days24 Feb 2027
Notice history
1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender- Tender notice published12 Nov 2026, 11:13 GMTUK4
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Nothing awarded yet- Awards (0)
- No award published
- Contracts (0)
- No contract published
- Bid statistics
- No aggregate bid statistics published
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Official documents & specifications (1)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender