Flexible Framework for the Provision of Care Homes

Bath & North East Somerset Council is establishing a major flexible framework for the provision of adult care home services, with an estimated value of £600 million.

Procured under the light touch regime, the framework will support the purchase of individual placements and block contracts from registered care homes located within specified distances of the Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES) boundary.

The framework is expected to commence on 1 April 2027 and initially run until 31 March 2033, with two potential 24-month extensions taking the arrangement through to 31 March 2037.

The Council intends to keep the framework accessible to new providers throughout its lifetime, with further opportunities to participate being released periodically.

Care Home Specialisms

The framework covers the following areas of provision:

• Residential & Nursing – care homes located within three miles of the B&NES border
• Dementia – care homes located within three miles of the B&NES border
• Discharge to Assess & Intermediate Care Funding – care homes located within three miles of the B&NES border
• Learning Disability, Autism, Physical and Cognitive Impairment, including acquired brain injury, and Sensory Impairment – care homes located within nine miles of the B&NES border

Applications are restricted to homes that meet the geographical requirements applicable to their respective specialism.

Providers will also need to demonstrate that they satisfy the conditions of participation detailed within the Invitation to Tender.

Framework Application Rounds

The Council has set out an initial timetable for applications:

• Round 1 – 23 October 2026 at 12:00pm: Initial closing date covering Residential & Nursing, Dementia and Discharge to Assess specialisms
• Round 2 – 5 February 2027 at 12:00pm: Closing date for the same three specialisms, followed by the opening of Round 3
• Round 3 – 5 May 2027 at 12:00pm: Applications close for all specialisms
• June 2027: Round 3 results expected to be issued

Further acceptance rounds are anticipated at least every six months, although the Council may reopen the framework more frequently at its discretion.

Once a provider has successfully joined the framework, it will not be required to apply again during subsequent acceptance rounds.

Contract Information

• Buyer: Bath & North East Somerset Council
• Reference: DN820821
• Deadline: 23 October 2026, 12:00pm
• Contract Value: £600,000,000
• Delivery Length: 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2033, with two potential 24-month extensions to 31 March 2037
• Tender Link: Supplying the Southwest Portal – ProContract, reference DN820821

The framework has no maximum supplier limit and no supplier fee.

It is identified as particularly suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs).

Framework Operation

Prices for certain services are pre-determined within the framework’s contractual terms and conditions.

For specialisms where pricing falls within negotiable bands, the final price will be agreed when an individual placement is made. This will take account of assessed needs and the nature of the placement.

The Council states that pricing may be informed by Care Cubed or another needs-based pricing methodology approved by the Commissioner.

Supplier selection for placements will follow the Council’s published brokerage policy. Arrangements for block contracts will be determined through the Invitation to Tender issued for the individual requirement.

Awards under the framework may be made either with or without further competition.

Evaluation Criteria

Providers will be assessed against the Conditions of Participation detailed within the procurement documents.

The published award information identifies Quality as the primary criterion, with the detailed participation requirements available through the Council’s e-procurement portal.

Regulatory Requirements

The framework is intended for registered adult care homes.

Further conditions of participation and applicable requirements are contained within the tender documentation. Specific CQC registration or rating requirements are not disclosed within the information provided for this notice.

The £600 million framework represents a substantial long-term commissioning opportunity for residential, nursing and specialist adult care providers operating within the required distance of the B&NES boundary. Its flexible structure will also provide future opportunities for eligible providers to join throughout the life of the arrangement.

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If you want to advertise your opportunity, please contact Jamie Peacock, Tender Specialist at advertising@dailyround.news