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Published 1 Sept 2026, 11:24 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Residential and Nursing Care Home Services for Adults Aged 65 and Over Framework (Issue 2)

Official notice

Authority: Staffordshire County Council (Local council)

Open framework scheme4 lotsServicesOpen procedureAbove thresholdLight touch regimeSME suitableVCSE suitable
Sectors: Health & Social Care (85) Delivery: West Midlands (UKG24)
Framework ceiling (notional)£1,565,078,303total for 4 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 30 Sept 2026
Lots 4see the lot list below
Framework period 3 yrs 7 moends 31 Aug 2030 · up to 31 Aug 2034 with extensions · starts 15 Feb 2027

What is being bought4 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

The Council procured and established a framework of providers, which commenced 1st September 2026, for the delivery of residential and nursing care home services for adults aged 65 and over who have been assessed by the Council as having needs for care and support under the Care Act 2014 and Mental Health Act 1983.

In line with section x and xvii of the ITT Procurement Pack and Terms and conditions, Schedule 5 - Operation Of Framework And Mini-Competition Process, this procurement is a re-opening of the Framework Agreement to invite new service providers to submit a Tender with a view to new service providers joining the Framework with Commencement Date of 15th February 2027.

For the avoidance of doubt, if you have already been awarded to the IA3668 Residential And Nursing Care Home Services For Adults Aged 65 And Over Framework Agreement which has a Commencement Date of 1st September 2026 you do not need to submit or re-submit a Tender.

The Framework is primarily aimed at individuals whose ordinary residence is within Staffordshire (which excludes Stoke on Trent). However, all Placement's will be made based on individual assessed needs, aligned to appropriate legislation, and will be within a reasonable distance, usually up to twenty (20) miles from the Resident's usual place of residence, as detailed in the Council's Choice Policy, unless the Resident chooses a care home outside the 20-mile radius. Where there are no Placements within a reasonable distance that can meet the Resident's assessed needs, the Council will consider locations outside of the reasonable distance.

Schedule 1 (the Specification) of the Framework Agreement sets out the minimum requirements a Service Provider must follow when delivering Services to Residents whose needs fall under the designated Lots of:

  • Lot 1 - Residential for Older People
  • Lot 2 - Residential for Older People with Dementia
  • Lot 6 - Nursing for Older People
  • Lot 7 - Nursing for Older People with Dementia

The Service Provider must be registered with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) to deliver residential and/or nursing care for Residents aged 65 and over. The Service Provider must also hold registrations for other care category specialisms to meet both primary and secondary needs of Residents, making this clear in their statement of purpose.

If a Resident has multiple care needs, their primary need decides the Lot they are placed under. Needs may change over time, so the Council expects the Service Provider to be flexible either by meeting changing needs or ensuring a smooth transfer to another service provider if needed. The Service Provider must accept referrals for all types of Care Home stays which include:

  • Long Stay: A placement within a residential or nursing care Home where the intention is that the Placement shall be the Resident's permanent residence.
  • Temporary Stay: An individual who needs to stay in a residential or nursing care home for (i) a limited period where there is a plan to return to their own home (ii) a period of further assessment. The stay should be unlikely to exceed fifty-two (52) weeks.
  • Respite Stay: A short stay in a residential or nursing Care Home for someone normally cared for at their own home, giving their carer a temporary break usually up to eight (8) weeks. Respite stays can be both planned and unplanned. An unplanned respite stay is where respite care is required within twenty-four (24) hours to support carer crisis.

Care home provision for 18 - 65 year olds will be the subject of a separate procurement exercise.

The Choice Policy requires the Council to source a care home placement that meets the assessed eligible needs within a reasonable distance of the person's usual place of residence, and the Indicative Personal Budget will be determined by the most cost-effective placement that can meet those needs.

When developing the tender documents the Council has taken regards to the key objectives set out in the Procurement Act 2023:

a. delivering value for money;

b. maximising public benefit;

c. sharing information;

d. integrity; and

e. removing or reducing the barriers faced by SMEs.

  • The authority expects to re-tender this requirement around 1 Sept 2034, 23:59 BST.
  • No preliminary market engagement: A PME Notice was issued when the Framework was initially procured. This is a reopening of a Framework to appoint new suppliers and therefore, no additional PME was required.

CPV: Health and social work 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
3 yrs 7 mo · up to 7 yrs 7 mo from 15 Feb 2027
Scheme runs until
31 Aug 2034
Published description of the framework

This is a re-opening of a Light Touch Framework Residential and Nursing Care Home Services and will replace IA3669 Residential and Nursing Care Home Services (Issue 1).

Light Touch Framework Opening, Closing and Re-Opening

This procurement is for a Framework Agreement between the appointed Supplier(s) and the Authority, to deliver Services as and when required. The Authority makes no guarantee as to the volume of business on offer and any figures / quantities / volumes given are indicative and are guidance only. The Authority may at its discretion source similar or equivalent care and support services other than via the Framework Agreement. The Authority has pre-existing and may procure new alternative methods to source and contract for care and support services. The Parties acknowledge that the Authority is not obligated or otherwise restricted to use the Framework to source care and support services for individuals.

The Authority will publish a UK4 Tender Notice through the FTS when the Framework is to be opened or re-opened. The Tender Notice will have a hyperlink through to the Authorities electronic procurement system, which will contain all instructions and documents for applying to join/re-join the Framework.

The initial Framework will remain open for a period of 30 days, at which point it will be closed to new entrants. Any supplier not providing an application by this closing date will not be included in the initial Framework evaluation and will have to wait until the Framework is re-opened to provide an application for consideration.

For avoidance of doubt a supplier cannot apply to join the Framework when it is closed only when it is open for new applications. Any notice published through FTS will always have a closing date on it.

Please ensure you have read Schedule 5 Operation of Framework and Mini-competition process.

Joining the Framework

Suppliers (including unsuccessful Suppliers) will need to complete the Invitation to Tender (ITT)

Procurement Specific Questionnaire (PSQ) document and upload this, along with any other requested information to the electronic procurement system by the closing date and time. Where a suppliers submission has been evaluated successfully the supplier will receive an assessment summary letter via the electronic procurement system to say they have been awarded onto the Framework.

Where a Supplier's submission requires clarification(s) the Authority will engage in a dialogue with the Supplier to try and resolve. Where these are resolved then the submission will be deemed acceptable and the Supplier will be awarded onto the Framework. Where these cannot be resolved, then the submission will be deemed as unsuccessful, and the Supplier will be issued with an assessment summary letter via the electronic procurement system to notify the Supplier of the reason(s) why their submission has been unsuccessful. Any unsuccessful Suppliers are able to re-apply to join the Framework once it has been re-opened and having rectified any identified areas of omission.

The Authority will publish a UK6 Contract Award Notice on FTS every time the Framework is concluded. This Notice will contain a hyperlink to Contract award notices | Staffordshire County Council and will contain details of all suppliers who have been awarded onto the Framework Agreement.

Within 120 days of the Contract being entered into the Authority will publish a UK7 Contract Details Notice on FTS. This Notice will contain a hyperlink to Contract award notices | Staffordshire County Council, and will contain details of all suppliers who have been awarded onto the Framework Agreement.

Please ensure you have read Schedule 5 Operation of Framework and Mini-competition process.

Post Framework Contract Award

Once the Framework Agreement has been signed by all parties, the supplier will remain on the Framework until

(i) the framework expires

(ii) they undertake any action which would cause them to be removed from the framework

(iii) they voluntarily ask to be removed from the framework.

The Authority will then issue a UK11 Contract Termination Notice via FTS.

Please ensure you have read Schedule 5 Operation of Framework and Mini-competition process.

Operation of the Framework and Mini Competition

By entering into the Framework Agreement no form of exclusivity or volume guarantee will be granted by the Authority for any Services to be awarded to or delivered by a supplier.

The Authority will continue to contract and place Individuals as appropriate through its Block Booked Bed Arrangements and/or through Services delivered through our Local Authority Trading Company: Nexxus Trading Services Ltd who operate the Meadowrythe and Bracken House Care Homes.

If the Authority needs to source a placement, then the Authority will issue an Invitation to Tender (ITT) using either the Standard Award Procedure (Option A), the Emergency Award Procedure (Option B) or the Award without Competition Procedure (Option C) as follows;

  • Standard Award Procedure (Option A) is used where care needs to be sourced within seven days.
  • Emergency Award Procedure (Option B) is used where a Resident requires an urgent placement to a Care Home and/or to be placed in a more time critical way than the afforded by following the Standard Award Procedure (Option A).
  • Award without Competition (Option C) is used where a Resident requires an urgent placement to the Care Home and/or to be placed in a more time critical way than afforded by following either the Standard Award Procedure (Option A) or the Emergency Award Procedure (Option B); or a Resident (or their family or chosen representative) wishes to exercise choice over their preferred Care Home and their chosen Care Home is held under the Framework Agreement.

Only one supplier will be awarded per Mini Competition. If the supplier is unable to meet the Individual's needs, then the Authority will follow the guidance within Schedule 5 Operation of the Framework and Mini-Competition Process.

Please ensure you have read Schedule 5 Operation of Framework and Mini-competition process.

Lots and requirements (4)Procurement structure

4 lots · all with a published value · same conditions of participation on every lot · same evaluation weights on every lot
Lot #1Residential for Older PeopleRenewal 3 yrs 7 moSMEVCSEPublished value£253,253,972

Lot 1 will be placements in Care Homes for individuals who may:

  • require care and support over a twenty-four (24) hour period, including observation and/or supervision to maintain safety;
  • have a high level of assessed care needs;
  • require assistance with most activities of daily living;
  • require input by care workers on a daily basis; and
  • require Nursing Care provided by community services.
Contract period: 15 Feb 2027 – 31 Aug 2030 (3 yrs 7 mo) · up to 31 Aug 2034 with extensionsValue: £253,253,972 exc. VAT · £303,904,766 inc. VAT
Delivery: West MidlandsEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will commence on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract. · The Framework Agreement commenced on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract.
85000000 Health and social work services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #2Residential for Older People with DementiaRenewal 3 yrs 7 moSMEVCSEPublished value£633,385,550

Lot 2 will be placements in Care Homes individuals who may:

  • require care and support over a twenty-four (24) hour period, including observation and/or supervision to maintain safety;
  • have a high level of assessed care needs;
  • require assistance with most activities of daily living;
  • require input by care workers on a daily basis; and
  • require Nursing Care provided by community services.
Contract period: 15 Feb 2027 – 31 Aug 2030 (3 yrs 7 mo) · up to 31 Aug 2034 with extensionsValue: £633,385,550 exc. VAT · £760,062,660 inc. VAT
Delivery: West MidlandsEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will commence on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract. · The Framework Agreement commenced on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract.
85000000 Health and social work services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #3Nursing for Older PeopleRenewal 3 yrs 7 moSMEVCSEPublished value£150,737,197

Lot 6 will be placements in Care Homes with Nursing Care (such terms are defined in the Specification) for individuals who may:

  • require care and support over a twenty-four (24) hour period, including observation and/or supervision to maintain safety;
  • have a high level of assessed care needs;
  • are in receipt of NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC);
  • require assistance with most activities of daily living to maintain skills and independence;
  • require input by care workers on a daily basis; and
  • require Nursing Care on a daily basis.
Contract period: 15 Feb 2027 – 31 Aug 2030 (3 yrs 7 mo) · up to 31 Aug 2034 with extensionsValue: £150,737,197 exc. VAT · £180,884,636 inc. VAT
Delivery: West MidlandsEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will commence on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract. · The Framework Agreement commenced on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract.
85000000 Health and social work services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

Lot #4Nursing for Older People with DementiaRenewal 3 yrs 7 moSMEVCSEPublished value£527,701,584

Lot 7 will be placements in Care Homes with Nursing Care (such terms are defined in the Specification) for individuals who may:

  • require care and support over a twenty-four (24) hour period, including observation and/or supervision to maintain safety;
  • have a high level of assessed care needs;
  • are in receipt of NHS Funded Nursing Care (FNC);
  • require assistance with most activities of daily living to maintain skills and independence;
  • require input by care workers on a daily basis; and
  • require Nursing Care on a daily basis.
Contract period: 15 Feb 2027 – 31 Aug 2030 (3 yrs 7 mo) · up to 31 Aug 2034 with extensionsValue: £527,701,584 exc. VAT · £633,241,901 inc. VAT
Delivery: West MidlandsEligibility: SME eligibleVCSE eligible
Extensions: The Framework Agreement will commence on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract. · The Framework Agreement commenced on 1 September 2026 and, subject to earlier termination in accordance with its terms, will continue until midnight on 31 August 2030. At the Authority's entire discretion, the term may be extended up to a maximum of 48 months, until 31 August 2034 on the same terms for such period(s) in accordance with the contract.
85000000 Health and social work services
Pre-qualification & selection criteria (PQQ)2
  • Economic & financial standing

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

What it takes to win
i

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 more
How bids were scored · same split on all 4 lots
Quality: 100%
Published award criteria (1)
  • Quality
Conditions of participation · identical on every lot2
  • Economic & financial standing

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

  • Technical & professional ability

    For Participation please refer to Part 3 Condition of Participation within the IA3668 Invitation to Tender (ITT) Procurement Specific Questionnaire.

What this means for your bid
  • “Residential and Nursing Care Home Services for Adults Aged 65 and Over…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: call-offs may be direct or by further competition.

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
Closed
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 1 Sept 2034
First published
1 Sept 2026, 11:24 BST
Last source update
1 Sept 2026, 11:24 BST
Award evaluation window
Submission end – 21 Dec 2026
Authority reference
IA3668 Issue 2
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-082547
Latest notice
Tender notice (UK4)
Classification (CPV)
Health and social work services
Delivery area
West Midlands (UKG24)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-06ef50 Find a Tender
Contract terms summary

Please see the Terms and Conditions.

Upon expiry of the Agreement the Authority shall consider Schedule 5 Direct Award Justifications, Additional or repeat goods, services or works.

Section 8 where is it the authorities intention to carry out a subsequent procurement of similar services in reliance of this direct award justification.

Related procedures1
Review and risk notes
Risks

Risk: Annual discretionary fee review

Impact: May result in change to the amount paid to providers.

Modification required: Annual discretionary price review to be provided for in contract terms. The total value of the contract terms will need to account for any potential increase to the budget.

Risk: Provider failure

Impact: May result in having to source alternative care home provision at short notice.

Modification required: There are clauses within the contract to serve notice and terminate the contract. The Council has an effective process in place that is managed by the Quality Assurance team when Provider failure is identified.

Risk: Local Government Re-organisation (LGR) means that the Contract may no longer be operational within some parts of the geographical districts of Staffordshire

Impact: This will impact of the geographical areas of Staffordshire and the number of Care Homes against demand for the service within the new contract area.

Modification required: LGR will be provided for in the contract terms.

Risk: IT systems and development

Impact: The Council recognises there is a risk that system updates and/or integration may impact IT system resulting in system failures, data breaches, compromised client confidentiality, cyber security etc.

Modification required: The Provider will be required where applicable to complete an updated TPSQ. Any modifications will be captured through the relevant clauses and schedules within the contract.

Risk: Resource Availability

Impact: The Council recognises the risk of fluctuations in resource availability and staff retention. A high turnover of staff will have an impact on the quality of service and outcomes to be delivered for service users.

Modification required: The provider will be required to have Business Continuity Plan (BCP) in place to address this risk i.e. use of agency staff.

Risk: Cost, Budget and Contractual requirements

Impact: The Council acknowledges there is a risk that increased employee costs due to government changes to National Insurance (NI) and related employee contributions will have significant impact on this care market.

Modification required: The contract has a Change in Law clause to ensure the Service remains compliant with all Applicable Laws.

Risk: Training

Impact: The risk of a lack of skilled staff particularly nursing care could impact on bed availability and the quality of the service being delivered.

Modification required: The Service Specification specifies the level of qualification required for staff. The contract will have relevant clauses and schedules to enable the Council to serve notice if the service is unable to operate safely.

Risk: Quality

Impact: There is a risk that increasing costs, staff shortage etc may impact on the quality of the Service.

Modification required: The Council will have quality and monitoring clause and schedule within the Contract. The Council will further mitigate this risk by having an annual discretionary fee review process which considers the impact of national changes e.g. National Living Wage (NLW) etc. Required modifications can be made through the relevant clauses and schedules within the contract.

Risk: Operational

Impact: The Council is aware there could be operational risks which could impact Service delivery.

Modification required: The Framework has a specific clause which will require Providers to develop a BCP which complies with the applicable provisions of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and all of the Service Provider's regulatory obligations prescribed by the CQC (or any other applicable regulator).

Risk: External Factors

Impact: The Council agrees there is the risk that economic downturns or public health crises, could affect the operation of the business eg. the current crisis in Iran and economic turmoil may impact on oil prices, fuel, gas, etc.

Modification required: The Council will ensure providers have BCP in place. The Council will maintain good lines of communication and provider relationship management to facilitate discussions with regards to mitigating actions and/or possible resolutions.

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: ProContract (Due North) · Who buys & how to bid on ProContract
Supplier login requiredElectronic submission allowedLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free · short registration with manual review; public opportunity list
Appointment period ends
30 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
Clarification deadline
22 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
Submission channel
Official e-sourcing portal
Electronic submission
Allowed
Accepted languages
en
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Suppliers should register on the Councils' eProcurement system, Proactis.

supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login ↗

(supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login ↗)

Suppliers will need to log in and select "Opportunities" then enter the tender reference " IA3668 Residential and Nursing Care Home Services for Adults Aged 65 and Over (Framework Issue 2)." in the box and select "Search".

All tender documents will be found in the request document section.

Please see clause 51 of the Terms and Conditions with regards to further information on the Local Government Re-Organisation.

Timeline

1 Sept 2026 → 15 Feb 2027 · 5 dates
  1. Tender notice published54 days ago
    1 Sept 2026, 11:24 BST
  2. Clarification questions by33 days ago
    22 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
  3. Admission / appointment period ends25 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    30 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
  4. Today
    25 Oct 2026
  5. Award decision expected byin 57 days
    21 Dec 2026, 23:59 GMT
  6. Contract startsin 112 days
    15 Feb 2027

Notice history

1 event · 1 release on Find a Tender
  1. Tender notice published
    1 Sept 2026, 11:24 BST
    UK4

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Staffordshire County Council

Contracting authorityPublic authority - sub-central government GB-PPON: PZDG-2995-QQMD 1 Staffordshire Place, Tipping Street,, Stafford, West Midlands, ST16 2DHContact name, email, phone

Official documents & specifications (1)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Notices published for this procedure

  • Tender notice tenderTender noticeUK4Tender notice on Find a Tender