Planning

Cloud Based DBS Processing Platform

ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

02 Mar 2026 at 10:43

Planned Procurement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Essex County Council is in the planning stages of procuring a cloud-based DBS processing platform under the tender initiation type. The tender, titled "Cloud Based DBS Processing Platform," focuses on IT services within the East of England. The procurement process targets the HR Shared Services Team, which manages recruitment and vetting services. Key dates for engagement end on 16th March 2026, with the formal Request for Quotation anticipated post preliminary engagement. The council operates as an established DBS Registered Body, requiring submissions under its identity while maintaining counter signatory duties. Market capability and interest are being assessed ahead of the expiry of the current contract on 30th September 2026.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for businesses within the IT consultancy and software development sectors capable of deploying a DBS processing platform. It is ideal for suppliers, including SMEs and VCSEs, able to support Basic, Standard, and Enhanced DBS checks with robust financial reporting and customer self-service capabilities. The successful supplier should ensure minimal infrastructure demand and provide training during mobilisation. Engaging in this early market exploration could secure involvement in the subsequent RFQ process, opening avenues for collaboration and development in public sector services.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Cloud Based DBS Processing Platform

Notice Description

Essex County Council (ECC) is seeking information from suppliers who can provide an existing, fully developed, cloud based DBS processing platform to support its HR Shared Services Team. The team delivers recruitment and vetting services for ECC and external public sector customers. ECC is an established DBS Registered Body, Umbrella Organisation, & a Responsible Organisation and will continue operating in these capacities throughout the contract. All DBS applications must be submitted under ECC's Registered Body identity, with counter signatory duties remaining with ECC. The supplier will act solely as a processor and platform provider. The platform must support Basic, Standard and Enhanced DBS checks, provide comprehensive reporting to support invoicing and financial processes, offer customer self service capability, and operate with minimal impact on ECC's infrastructure. Suppliers must demonstrate appropriate business continuity arrangements (excluding any DBS initiated eBulk suspension) and provide training and knowledge transfer at mobilisation to enable ECC to train system users. ECC's current contract ends on 30 September 2026, and this early market engagement is being undertaken in preparation for that expiry. We aim to understand market capability, implementation timescales, indicative costs, and interest ahead of issuing our formal Request for Quotation (RFQ). We are keen to identify suppliers who wish to be included in the RFQ process. We look forward to hearing from interested suppliers as part of this early engagement exercise.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-c31d73b9-ba03-4ab4-90f2-bf7fc2683730
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/5052749e-afc7-4509-b715-eac53f0d115a
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planned Procurement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Not specified
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
16 Mar 20261 day to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
ESSEX COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
CHELMSFORD
Postcode
CM1 1QH
Post Town
Chelmsford
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH36 Heart of Essex
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Chelmsford
Electoral Ward
Moulsham and Central
Westminster Constituency
Chelmsford

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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