Preliminary Market Engagement for Homeline and Technology for Independence (T4I): Exploration of Future Service Delivery Options

Swindon Borough Council is the local authority for the Borough of Swindon in Wiltshire, responsible for delivering a wide range of public services including education, social care, housing, waste management, planning, highways and environmental services. Established as a unitary authority in 1997, the Council serves a population of over 200,000 residents and operates as a significant public-sector organisation and commissioner of services. Its strategic direction is guided by the Swindon Plan, which focuses on building a fairer, better and greener Swindon, with priorities centred on reducing inequality, supporting economic growth, improving outcomes for residents and addressing climate challenges. For more information on our plan please visit our website. Swindon Borough Council is exploring alternative delivery models for its Homeline Service (Homeline and Homeline Plus) and, for some options, the Technology for Independence (T4I) service. The purpose of this background is to provide suppliers with sufficient context to support meaningful and informed responses to the soft market testing questions. Preliminary Market Engagement Swindon Borough Council invites supplier's to contribute to a preliminary market engagement in relation to the Homeline and Technology for Independence (T4I): Exploration of Future Service Delivery Options and would welcome views on the questions set out in the questionnaire. The intention is to invite supplier feedback to help shape the final specification and commercial model to ensure the tender delivers the optimum outcomes for the Council. The anticipated total contract value is expected to exceed £3 million. The proposed contract duration is three (3) years, with the provision for up to three (3) optional one-year extensions at the Council’s discretion. Responses should be evidence-based where possible and include clear assumptions. Following submission, the Council may analyse themes across responses and may invite some suppliers to optional follow-up clarification discussions to explore aspects of their responses in more depth. Participation in this process is voluntary and does not form part of a procurement process, nor does it create any obligation on the Council or on participating organisations. The information gathered will be used solely to inform future service planning. The closing date for response sand submission through the portal is 1 April 2026 at 15:00. The Council will host an optional supplier engagement event during the preliminary market engagement submission period. This event will provide interested suppliers with the opportunity to seek clarification on the background information and scope, and to ask questions to support informed and consistent responses. The event will take place on 23 March 2026, from 10:00 am to 13:00pm, and is available for both in person (on Council premises) or virtual (Microsoft Teams) attendance. Further details for registration are included within the attachments. To see full details about the Homeline and Technology for Independence (T4I) service please see the specification. This Preliminary Market Engagement exercise does not constitute a call for competition and does not commit the Council to any future procurement process. The information gathered will be used solely to inform service design and future commissioning considerations. The Council thanks suppliers in advance for their time and engagement. DN807428