Official UK procurement notice
Shortbreaks and Outreach Framework
Authority: Southampton City Council (Local council)
What is being bought2 lots · detail below
Published requirement descriptionSouthampton City Council intends to award a multi provider Short Breaks, Outreach
and Support Framework to improve access to high quality services for children and young
people with disabilities aged up to 18 years.
The proposed Framework will include two Lots:
Lot 1 - Care Support and Community Outreach
This Lot covers personalised care and support delivered in the home or community.
Services will help children and young people with disabilities to develop independence,
access their community, and maintain their wellbeing, while supporting family stability.
The service will include personalised care and community based support, including
personal care, delegated health tasks, communication and independence building
programmes, behaviour support, community access and, where required, overnight
respite. Providers must be able to offer planned, responsive and crisis support across a
range of hours.
Lot 2 - Specialist Playschemes and Targeted Short Breaks
This Lot provides specialist holiday playschemes and targeted short break opportunities
for children with substantial or complex needs. These are for children who cannot safely
access mainstream provision due to high levels of personal care, complex health needs,
autism or behaviour that challenges. Services delivered under this Lot should offer group
and community-based activities that support children's social development,
independence, wellbeing and enjoyment, while providing families with essential respite.
The purpose of the Framework is to deliver consistent, timely, high quality and value for
money support, while strengthening family resilience and improving outcomes for children
and young people with disabilities.
By approving providers onto a single Framework, the Council can quickly match a child's
assessed needs with an appropriate supplier, reducing delays and enabling responsive,
high quality support across the local area.
CPV: Other community, social and personal services · Provision of services to the community · Social services · Social work services without accommodation
How this framework works
From the published notice- Type
- Closed framework · open framework scheme (admission reopens)
- Call-offs
- every call-off is a further competition among the appointed suppliers
- Bids received
- 14 bids on the busiest of 2 lots · 12 suppliers appointed
- Framework period
- 4 yrs · up to 6 yrs from 1 Oct 2026
- Scheme runs until
- 30 Sept 2032
Published description of the framework
Please see Document 01- O.SB Framework Invitation to Tender
Lots and requirements (2)Procurement structure
2 lots · all with a published value · same evaluation weights on every lotEvery one of these 2 lots carries the same published figure, £2,250,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.
Lot #1Care Support and Community Outreach Service Specification with buddy serviceAwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
Lot #2Specialist Playschemes and Targeted Short BreaksAwardedRenewalceiling above
The source published no individual description for this lot.
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
- “Shortbreaks and Outreach Framework” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract: each call-off is a further competition, so the pricing contest starts after appointment.
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
- Awarded
- 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
- Unspecified in notice
- Recurring procurement
- Unspecified in notice
- First published
- 16 Jan 2026, 14:36 GMT
- Last source update
- 12 Oct 2026, 14:50 BST
- Award evaluation window
- Submission end – 31 Aug 2026
- Authority reference
SCC-2026-0087- FTS notice number
2026/S 000-031211- Latest notice
- Contract award notice (UK6)
- Classification (CPV)
- Delivery area
- Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-0607c7Find a Tender
How it was run
Official notice- Appointment period ends
- 19 Jun 2026, 12:00 BST
- Clarification deadline
- 10 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
- Submission channel
- Official e-sourcing portal
- Electronic submission
- Allowed
- Accepted languages
- en
supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/login ↗
Due to a technical error with the portal, there are two active sourcing events.
REQ/1000484 -Short Breaks and Outreach Framework
REQ/1000508 -Short Breaks and Outreach Framework Sourcing Event 2
Both sourcing events are connected to this project and you only need submit your bid to one of the events. All requirements and documentation remains the same.
Timeline
16 Jan 2026 → 22 Oct 2026 · 10 dates- Planning notice published281 days ago16 Jan 2026, 14:36 GMT
- Market engagement238 days ago28 Feb 2026, 23:59 GMT
The Authority is issuing this Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) statement to notify the market of an upcoming procurement opportunity for Outreach and Short Breaks services for children and young people with disabilities.
Our primary objective is to engage with experienced providers, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), and Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprises (VCSEs) to inform the design of a new Framework. We want to ensure that our service specifications are commercially viable, innovative, and, most importantly, capable of meeting the diverse needs of children and young people (0-25) within our region.
This engagement is conducted in accordance with Sections 16 and 17 of the Procurement Act 2023. It is not a call for competition, but a collaborative fact-finding exercise to ensure a "best fit" between our requirements and market capability.
- The Requirement: A Two-Lot Framework
We intend to establish a multi-supplier framework divided into two distinct "Lots." Suppliers may apply for one or both lots, provided they meet the specific quality and safeguarding criteria.
Lot 1 - Care Support and Community Outreach
The aim of Lot 1 is to develop a range of providers who can deliver personalised care and support in the home or community. The outreach service will ensure that children and young people with disabilities can develop independence skills, access their community, and maintain their wellbeing at the same time the family have a break from their caring duties.
Lot 2 - Specialist Playschemes and Targeted Short Breaks
The goal of Lot 2 is to develop a range of specialist and targeted activities for children and young people in a variety of locations across the city. The activities will provide opportunities for children to try new skills things, develop their social skills and support their overall development whilst giving their parent carers a break from caring.
- The Procurement Plan
The Authority intends to use a Open Framework model. This is designed to be "supplier-friendly," allowing new providers to join at specific intervals throughout the framework's life (e.g., every 12 months).
Estimated Contract Term: 4 years + optional 2-year extension.
Pricing Model: We are seeking market feedback on sustainable hourly rates vs. "block" funding for group activities.
Call-Off Mechanism: Services will be commissioned via Direct Award (for specific 1:1 matches) or Mini-Competition (for larger group-based contracts).
Preliminary Market Engagement Events will be held virtually on Microsoft Teams via invite only. These individual sessions will be held on the 5th (12.00 - 14.00); Short Breaks and 10th of Feb (13.00 - 15.00); Outreach.
If you are interested in attending either event, please email [email protected] with your company name, the name of attendees with relevant email address for the invite, and please inform us which one (or both) you would like to attend. Please be aware when responding each event will be individual based on the Lots with Short breaks on the 5th, and Outreach on the 10th. Thankyou.
- Tender notice published204 days ago3 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
- Clarification questions by136 days ago10 Jun 2026, 23:59 BST
- Admission / appointment period ends128 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown19 Jun 2026, 12:00 BST
- Award decision expected by54 days ago31 Aug 2026, 23:59 BST
- Contract starts24 days ago1 Oct 2026, 00:00 BST
- Assessment summaries sent13 days ago12 Oct 2026, 00:00 BST
- Latest notice published12 days ago12 Oct 2026, 14:50 BST
- Standstill ends2 days ago22 Oct 2026, 23:59 BST
Notice history
16 events · 9 releases on Find a Tender · since 16 Jan 2026- Preliminary market engagement notice published16 Jan 2026, 14:36 GMTUK2
- Preliminary market engagement notice published19 Jan 2026, 10:27 GMTUK2
- Preliminary market engagement notice published19 Jan 2026, 11:44 GMTUK2
- Tender notice published3 Apr 2026, 17:00 BSTUK4
- Status changed to active3 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
- Procurement method changed3 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
- Deadline published: 5 May 2026, 23:59 BST3 Apr 2026, 17:00 BST
- Tender notice published15 Apr 2026, 16:10 BSTUK4
- Deadline moved to 18 May 2026, 12:00 BST15 Apr 2026, 16:10 BST+13 days · was 5 May 2026, 23:59 BST
- Tender notice published21 Apr 2026, 10:17 BSTUK4
- Tender notice published14 May 2026, 18:30 BSTUK4
- Deadline moved to 19 Jun 2026, 12:00 BST14 May 2026, 18:30 BST+32 days · was 18 May 2026, 12:00 BST
- Tender notice published22 May 2026, 09:36 BSTUK4
- Contract award notice published12 Oct 2026, 14:50 BSTUK6
- Status changed to complete12 Oct 2026, 14:50 BST
- Contract signature expected28 Oct 2026, 23:59 GMTscheduled
Published amendments (4)
Confirmation of Date specific contents. These individual sessions will be held on the 5th (12.00 - 14.00); Short Breaks and 10th of Feb (13.00 - 15.00); Outreach.
Tender Dates have been extended due to technical issues. Tender close date is now 18/05/2026
Tender Timeline has changed. Tender Close is now 19th of June 2026
Due to technical error an Additional Sourcing event has been added. This does not change anything about the Tender. Only one event needs to be submitted to, and are connected to one another for this Tender.
Routine re-releases (9)
- 2026-04: 3 releases · 3 Apr 2026, 21 Apr 2026
- 2026-01: 3 releases · 16 Jan 2026, 19 Jan 2026
Commercial outcome & contract awards
Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast| Awarded to | Value | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot 1 · Care Support and Community Outreach Service Specification with buddy service1 award | |||
| Acorn Care Solutions LtdVCSE, Glitz care 4Ut LtdVCSE, Hurst HomecareVCSE, Request ServicesVCSE, STAFF MANAGEMENT LIMITEDVCSE, Southvale Care LtdVCSE +5 moreLot 1 - Care Support and Community Outreach1 Nov 2026 – 30 Sept 2030 · up to 30 Sept 2032Extensions: Potential for 2 years extension · Options: Potential for extension | £4,500,000 | 12 Oct 2026standstill to 22 Oct 2026 | Standstill |
| Lot 2 · Specialist Playschemes and Targeted Short Breaks1 award | |||
| Acorn Care Solutions LtdVCSE, Glitz care 4Ut LtdVCSE, Hurst HomecareVCSE, SAKURA CARE LTDVCSE, Southampton MencapVCSE, Southvale Care LtdVCSE +1 more1 Nov 2026 – 30 Sept 2030 · up to 30 Sept 2032Extensions: Potential for 2 years extension · Options: Potential for 2 years extension | £45,000,000ten times the procedure’s published value or more · possibly a unit error, check the notice | 12 Oct 2026standstill to 22 Oct 2026 | Standstill |
Bid statistics published by the authority
| Lot | Bids | SME | VCSE | Valid bid range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 · Care Support and Community Outreach Service Specification with buddy service | 14final-stage tenders | 0 | 14 | — |
| 2 · Specialist Playschemes and Targeted Short Breaks | 11final-stage tenders | 0 | 11 | — |
Who bid
- wonAcorn Care Solutions LtdVCSE · South East England · all lots
- wonACTIVE ASSISTANCE, Staff Management LtVCSE · Greater London · 1
- wonGlitz care 4Ut LtdVCSE · South East England · all lots
- wonHurst HomecareVCSE · Greater London · all lots
- did not winNurse Plus & Carer Plus UK LtdVCSE · South East England · 1
- did not winOptimalCarePlusVCSE · East of England · 1
- wonRequest ServicesVCSE · South East England · 1
- wonSouthvale Care LtdVCSE · South East England · all lots
- wonStarlight Healthcare LtdVCSE · South East England · 1
- wonThe Rose Road AssociationVCSE · South East England · all lots
- wonSakura CareVCSE · South East England · all lots
- wonSouthampton MencapVCSE · South East England · 2
- did not winHope for future care LtdVCSE · East Midlands · all lots
- did not winRENEWED CARE LIMITEDVCSE · North West England · all lots
- did not winCompanion Care Solution LimitedVCSE · South East England · all lots
- did not winThrive MentoringVCSE · South West England · 2
Bidders as named on the Procurement Act 2023 award notice. “Won” means the bidder holds an award on this notice.
Contracting authority & participating public bodies
Framework contractors & participating bidders
16 commercial parties on the notice · 12 awarded- ACTIVE ASSISTANCE, Staff Management LtFramework contractor
- Acorn Care Solutions LtdFramework contractor
- Companion Care Solution LimitedBidder / tenderer
- Glitz care 4Ut LtdFramework contractor
- Hope for future care LtdBidder / tenderer
- Hurst HomecareFramework contractor
- Nurse Plus & Carer Plus UK LtdFramework contractor
- OptimalCarePlusFramework contractor
- RENEWED CARE LIMITEDBidder / tenderer
- Request ServicesFramework contractor
Show 6 more suppliers
- Sakura CareFramework contractor
- Southampton MencapFramework contractor
- Southvale Care LtdFramework contractor
- Starlight Healthcare LtdFramework contractor
- The Rose Road AssociationFramework contractor
- Thrive MentoringBidder / tenderer
Official documents & specifications (10)
Official links; attachments are not copiedNotices published for this procedure
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Contract award notice Contract award notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Tender notice Tender notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
Show 2 more notices
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- Preliminary market engagement notice Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender