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PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITY

CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon

Devon County Council · Tender notice on Find a Tender

Tender information last checkedLast checked 26 Sept 2026, 14:57.

Opportunity overview

Devon County Council will be setting up an Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon. 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 will enable Devon County Council to call-off and award individual packages and block contracts for placements to approved Framework Suppliers. 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 will comprise 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  Any questions in relation to this tender must be raised via the messaging section of the tendering portal www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk

Classification

  • CPV85000000 — Health and social work services
  • CPV98000000 — Other community, social and personal services

Lots

  • Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years£14.4m
  • Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)£9.6m
  • Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years£20m

Documents and notices

Published notice details

Additional information from the published procurement release. Fields appear only when supplied by the source; check the original notice and tender documents before acting.

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id
CP2632-25
Status
active
Procurement Method
open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Main Procurement Category
services
Above Threshold
Yes
How to submit
Suppliers can access the business opportunity via Supplying the South West Procurement portal at https://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.

Legal basis

Id
2023/54
Scheme
UKPGA

Special regime

lightTouch

Participation Fees

Entry 1
Description
There is no fee.
Id
ocds-h6vhtk-055545

Type

win

Techniques

Has Framework Agreement
Yes

Framework Agreement

Is Open Framework Scheme
Yes
Method
withAndWithoutReopeningCompetition
Type
closed
Description
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 Contracts 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 closing 26 August 2026 and then Entry Point 2 opening 9 November 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 any guarantee of 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 Invitation to Tender (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 ITT document.
Open Framework Scheme End Date
2 Nov 2034, 23:59

Submission terms

Electronic Submission Policy
allowed

Languages

en

Tender Period

Ends
26 Aug 2026, 12:00

Enquiry period

Ends
19 Aug 2026, 12:00

Expected award period

Ends
20 Oct 2026, 23:59

Lot Details

Award Criteria Details
Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. The Authority may award one or more lots to a single supplier or may award lots across multiple suppliers. The award of lots will be determined following evaluation of tenders against the stated award criteria as set out in the competition document pack.

Contract terms

Financial Terms
The terms and conditions for payments can be found within the competition documents pack.

Amendments

Entry 1
Description
Notice amended to remove reference to registering for the bidder event on 28th July 2026, as this has now been held.
Id
071200-2026

Lots and requirements

Entry 1
Id
1
Title
Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years
Description
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.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
14,400,000
Amount
14,400,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
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.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
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.

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
3 Nov 2026, 00:00
Ends
2 Nov 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
2 Nov 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
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.  
Entry 2
Id
2
Title
Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)
Description
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.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
9,600,000
Amount
9,600,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
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.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
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.

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
3 Nov 2026, 00:00
Ends
2 Nov 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
2 Nov 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
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.  
Entry 3
Id
3
Title
Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years
Description
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.
Status
active
Has Renewal
Yes

Value

Including VAT
20,000,000
Amount
20,000,000
Currency
GBP

Award criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
quality
Name
Quality

Numbers

Entry 1
Number
100
Weight
percentageExact

Selection criteria

Criteria

Criterion 1
Type
economic
Description
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.
Criterion 2
Type
technical
Description
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.

Suitability

Sme
Yes
Vcse
Yes

Contract period

Starts
3 Nov 2026, 00:00
Ends
2 Nov 2031, 23:59
Max Extent Date
2 Nov 2034, 23:59

Renewal

Description
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.  

Items and delivery

Item 1
Id
1
Related Lot
1

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
85000000
Description
Health and social work services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
98000000
Description
Other community, social and personal services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKK43
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 2
Id
2
Related Lot
2

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
85000000
Description
Health and social work services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
98000000
Description
Other community, social and personal services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKK43
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Item 3
Id
3
Related Lot
3

Additional Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
CPV
Id
85000000
Description
Health and social work services
Entry 2
Scheme
CPV
Id
98000000
Description
Other community, social and personal services

Delivery locations

Entry 1
Region
UKK43
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom

Published documents

Entry 1
Id
conflictOfInterest
Document Type
conflictOfInterest
Description
Not published
Entry 2
Id
071200-2026
Document Type
tenderNotice
Notice Type
UK4
Description
Tender notice on Find a Tender
Published
28 Jul 2026, 13:04
Format
text/html

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Organisation 1
Name
Devon County Council
Id
GB-PPON-PJRC-4623-RJBH

Identifier

Scheme
GB-PPON
Id
PJRC-4623-RJBH

Address

Street Address
County Hall
Locality
Exeter
Postal Code
EX2 4QD
Country
GB
Country Name
United Kingdom
Region
UKK43

Contact

Name
Hannah Robinson
Telephone
+44 1392383000

Roles

buyer

Details

Classifications

Entry 1
Scheme
UK_CA_TYPE
Id
publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment
Description
Public authority - sub-central government

Recorded locations

  • Buyer location · Exeter · UKK43 · EX2 4QD · United Kingdom
  • Delivery location · UKK43 · United Kingdom

Notice and amendment history

3 published notice versions reviewed by ProcuraAxis.

3 VERSIONS
  1. 045830-2026Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender ·
  2. 068203-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·
  3. 071200-2026Tender notice on Find a Tender ·