Award

Kent Carers Support Service

KENT COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

03 Nov 2025 at 17:46

Tender

30 Jun 2025 at 15:31

Summary of the contracting process

Kent County Council has awarded the Kent Carers Support Service contract through an open procurement process using a competitive flexible procedure. The contract aims to support unpaid carers across Kent, replacing existing services with a focus on areas such as wellbeing, young carers' transition, and emergency breaks. The awarded contract is divided into two geographical lots, with Imago Community securing Lot 2 for West Kent. The contract, valued at £47,220,600 gross, spans from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2029, with potential extensions up to 2033. Key deadlines include the end of the standstill period on 12th November 2025 and a future contract signature scheduled for 28th November 2025. The main procurement category is services, under a specialised light-touch regime, indicating a focus on health and social work services within the region.

This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses specialising in social support services, especially SMEs and VCSEs, due to the council's emphasis on community engagement and the resilience of local infrastructure. With criteria prioritising a provider's service model, technical capabilities, and their ability to support carers effectively, businesses that demonstrate strong local knowledge and innovative approaches to service delivery are well-positioned to compete. The procurement approach encourages a focus on not just economic delivery but also social value, offering a platform for organisations to establish their footprint in Kent and strengthen their community ties, contributing positively to local socio-economic structures.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Kent Carers Support Service

Notice Description

Kent County Council are seeking to re-procure a Kent Carers Support Service which is aimed at supporting unpaid carers within the county. This new service will replace two current services; The Carers Community Navigation Service and Carers Short Breaks service. Key Areas of Service Delivery: Building from the Kent Adult Carers Strategy the following key areas of service delivery have been identified for the Kent Carers Support Service: i) Identifying and Recognising Carers, including Seldom-Heard Carers ii) Empowering Carers: information, advice and training in ways that they can understand iii) Prevention and Wellbeing especially for lifestyle risk factors, mental health and information and advice iv) Support for Young Carers' Transition to Adulthood v) Carers Assessment vi) Carers Breaks vii) Emergency Breaks viii) Carers Personal Budgets

Lot Information

Kent Carers Support Service - East Kent

Kent Carers Support Service to be delivered in the following geographical areas: Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe.

Renewal: Potential extension of 2 x up to 24 months is available

Kent Carers Support Service - West Kent

Kent Carers Support Service to be delivered in the following geographical areas: Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Swale.

Renewal: Potential extension of 2 x up to 24 months is available

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04fe04
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070631-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK6 - Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

85100000 - Health services

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£47,220,600 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£47,220,600 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
£18,530,235 £10M-£100M
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Nov 20253 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Aug 2025Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
31 Oct 20253 months ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Active, Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
KENT COUNTY COUNCIL
Contact Name
Nathan Sills
Contact Email
cpd-peopleteam@kent.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
MAIDSTONE
Postcode
ME14 1XQ
Post Town
Rochester
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLJ South East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLJ4 Kent
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLJ45 Mid Kent
Delivery Location
TLJ4 Kent

Local Authority
Maidstone
Electoral Ward
Penenden Heath
Westminster Constituency
Maidstone and Malling

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

IMAGO COMMUNITY

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-04fe04-2025-11-03T17:46:15Z",
    "date": "2025-11-03T17:46:15Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-04fe04",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PLDL-8938-YGYW",
            "name": "Kent County Council",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PLDL-8938-YGYW"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "County Hall",
                "locality": "Maidstone",
                "postalCode": "ME14 1XQ",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ45"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "Nathan Sills",
                "email": "CPD-Peopleteam@Kent.Gov.UK"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.kent.gov.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "id": "publicAuthoritySubCentralGovernment",
                        "description": "Public authority - sub-central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-03449624",
            "name": "Involve Kent",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "03449624"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "30 Turkey Court Turkey Mill, Ashford Road",
                "locality": "Maidstone",
                "postalCode": "ME14 5PP",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ45"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": true
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-04144820",
            "name": "Carers First",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "04144820"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Unit 4, Tolgate Lane",
                "locality": "Rochester",
                "postalCode": "ME2 4TG",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ41"
            },
            "roles": [
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": true
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-COH-05354482",
            "name": "Imago Community",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-COH",
                "id": "05354482"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "17-19 MONSON ROAD",
                "locality": "TUNBRIDGE WELLS",
                "postalCode": "TN1 1LS",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKJ46"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "hello@imago.community"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier",
                "tenderer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme",
                "vcse": true,
                "publicServiceMissionOrganization": false,
                "shelteredWorkshop": false
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PLDL-8938-YGYW",
        "name": "Kent County Council"
    },
    "planning": {
        "noEngagementNoticeRationale": "Market engagement was carried out in July 2024 which has helped shape the service provision."
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "CN250345",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "Kent Carers Support Service",
        "description": "Kent County Council are seeking to re-procure a Kent Carers Support Service which is aimed at supporting unpaid carers within the county. This new service will replace two current services; The Carers Community Navigation Service and Carers Short Breaks service. Key Areas of Service Delivery: Building from the Kent Adult Carers Strategy the following key areas of service delivery have been identified for the Kent Carers Support Service: i) Identifying and Recognising Carers, including Seldom-Heard Carers ii) Empowering Carers: information, advice and training in ways that they can understand iii) Prevention and Wellbeing especially for lifestyle risk factors, mental health and information and advice iv) Support for Young Carers' Transition to Adulthood v) Carers Assessment vi) Carers Breaks vii) Emergency Breaks viii) Carers Personal Budgets",
        "status": "complete",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ4",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85000000",
                        "description": "Health and social work services"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ4",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 56664720,
            "amount": 47220600,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Competitive flexible procedure",
        "procedure": {
            "isAccelerated": true,
            "acceleratedRationale": "Light touch contract",
            "features": "Kent County Council intend on using an Open Procedure (Light Touch). Submission Requirements: * Bidders are required to submit the Conditions of Participation, Quality Questionnaire and Pricing Schedule together in one stage. Evaluation Process: 1. Conditions of Participation: * All submitted Conditions of Participation will be evaluated and moderated first. * Only those bidders who meet the mandatory requirements and Minimum Quality Threshold (MQT) for their Procurement Specific Questions (PSQ) will proceed to have their Quality Questionnaire and Pricing Schedule evaluated. * Bidders who do not meet the MQT will be excluded from further evaluation, and feedback will be provided. 2. Quality Questionnaire and Pricing Schedule: * For bidders who pass the Conditions of Participation stage, their Quality Questionnaire will evaluated and moderated. * Tenderers who pass the MQT for their quality questions will then be evaluated on price. 3. Final Scoring and Ranking: * Tenderers are ranked according to their submitted bids in their pricing schedule. The lowest bid above the MQT will be ranked 1st and become the councils' preferred supplier."
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "specialRegime": [
            "lightTouch"
        ],
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "All tenders must be submitted through the Kent Business Portal. https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/",
        "submissionTerms": {
            "electronicSubmissionPolicy": "allowed",
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ]
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-08-01T16:30:00+01:00"
        },
        "enquiryPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-07-25T12:00:00+01:00"
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2025-11-25T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "title": "Kent Carers Support Service - East Kent",
                "description": "Kent Carers Support Service to be delivered in the following geographical areas: Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Thanet, Folkestone and Hythe.",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 28227360,
                    "amount": 23522800,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "weightingDescription": "The council have chosen to use the Lowest Total Value above Minimum Quality Threshold. Please view tender documents for full Award Criteria.",
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Service Model",
                            "description": "Please demonstrate your service model and how it will support delivery of the specification."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Carers Question",
                            "description": "How will you ensure carers are able to access the information and services they require? How will you ensure the information, advice and guidance is inclusive and accessible?"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Geographical understanding",
                            "description": "Please demonstrate your understanding of the Lot you are tendering for, and how you will tailor your service to meet the needs of the people within that geographical area."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality Assurance",
                            "description": "Describe your approach to ensuring high quality service delivery and ongoing improvement throughout the duration of the contract."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "description": "Describe how your organisation, in delivering this contract will contribute to building a resilient local community and strengthen community support organisations."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Mobilisation",
                            "description": "Please describe how you will mobilise this contract."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Pricing Schedule",
                            "description": "Bidders who meet or exceed the Minimum Quality Threshold (MQT) will then be ranked on price alone. The council will award the contract to the bidder with the Lowest Total Price above Minimum Quality Threshold."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Potential extension of 2 x up to 24 months is available"
                }
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "title": "Kent Carers Support Service - West Kent",
                "description": "Kent Carers Support Service to be delivered in the following geographical areas: Dartford, Gravesham, Swanley, Sevenoaks, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Malling, Tunbridge Wells and Swale.",
                "status": "complete",
                "value": {
                    "amountGross": 28437360,
                    "amount": 23697800,
                    "currency": "GBP"
                },
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "weightingDescription": "The council have chosen to use the Lowest Total Value above Minimum Quality Threshold. Please view tender documents for full Award Criteria.",
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Service Model",
                            "description": "Please demonstrate your service model and how it will support delivery of the specification."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Carers Question",
                            "description": "How will you ensure carers are able to access the information and services they require? How will you ensure the information, advice and guidance is inclusive and accessible?"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Geographical understanding",
                            "description": "Please demonstrate your understanding of the Lot you are tendering for, and how you will tailor your service to meet the needs of the people within that geographical area."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Quality Assurance",
                            "description": "Describe your approach to ensuring high quality service delivery and ongoing improvement throughout the duration of the contract."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Social Value",
                            "description": "Describe how your organisation, in delivering this contract will contribute to building a resilient local community and strengthen community support organisations."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "quality",
                            "name": "Mobilisation",
                            "description": "Please describe how you will mobilise this contract."
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "name": "Pricing Schedule",
                            "description": "Bidders who meet or exceed the Minimum Quality Threshold (MQT) will then be ranked on price alone. The council will award the contract to the bidder with the Lowest Total Price above Minimum Quality Threshold."
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "suitability": {
                    "sme": true,
                    "vcse": true
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "Potential extension of 2 x up to 24 months is available"
                }
            }
        ],
        "lotDetails": {
            "maximumLotsBidPerSupplier": 1,
            "maximumLotsAwardedPerSupplier": 1,
            "awardCriteriaDetails": "Bidders may only bid for one lot."
        },
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "conflictOfInterest",
                "documentType": "conflictOfInterest",
                "description": "Not published"
            },
            {
                "id": "L-1",
                "documentType": "biddingDocuments",
                "description": "All Tenders must be submitted through the Kent Business Portal. All Tender documents will be available on the Kent Business Portal.",
                "url": "https://www.kentbusinessportal.org.uk/"
            },
            {
                "id": "036237-2025",
                "documentType": "tenderNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK4",
                "description": "Tender notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/036237-2025",
                "datePublished": "2025-06-30T16:31:42+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en",
    "bids": {
        "details": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-05354482",
                        "name": "Imago Community"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "2"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-03449624",
                        "name": "Involve Kent"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "2"
                ]
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "status": "valid",
                "tenderers": [
                    {
                        "id": "GB-COH-04144820",
                        "name": "Carers First"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLots": [
                    "2"
                ]
            }
        ],
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 0,
                "relatedLot": "1"
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "finalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "6",
                "measure": "smeFinalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            },
            {
                "id": "7",
                "measure": "vcseFinalStageBids",
                "value": 3,
                "relatedLot": "2"
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "1",
            "title": "Kent Carers Support Service: Lot 2 - West Kent",
            "status": "pending",
            "date": "2025-10-31T00:00:00Z",
            "value": {
                "amountGross": 22236282.11,
                "amount": 18530235.08,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
            "aboveThreshold": true,
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-COH-05354482",
                    "name": "Imago Community"
                }
            ],
            "items": [
                {
                    "id": "2",
                    "additionalClassifications": [
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "85100000",
                            "description": "Health services"
                        },
                        {
                            "scheme": "CPV",
                            "id": "85300000",
                            "description": "Social work and related services"
                        }
                    ],
                    "deliveryAddresses": [
                        {
                            "region": "UKJ4",
                            "country": "GB",
                            "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                        }
                    ],
                    "relatedLot": "2"
                }
            ],
            "standstillPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2025-11-12T23:59:59Z"
            },
            "contractPeriod": {
                "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00",
                "maxExtentDate": "2033-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
            },
            "hasRenewal": true,
            "renewal": {
                "description": "Kent County Council has included 2x24month extension periods which may be executed at the council's discretion."
            },
            "relatedLots": [
                "2"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "070631-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070631-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-03T17:46:15Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ],
            "assessmentSummariesDateSent": "2025-11-03T00:00:00Z",
            "milestones": [
                {
                    "id": "1",
                    "type": "futureSignatureDate",
                    "dueDate": "2025-11-28T23:59:59Z",
                    "status": "scheduled"
                }
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "-1",
            "status": "active",
            "finalStatusDate": "2025-11-03T00:00:00Z",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "documents": [
                {
                    "id": "070631-2025",
                    "documentType": "awardNotice",
                    "noticeType": "UK6",
                    "description": "Contract award notice on Find a Tender",
                    "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/070631-2025",
                    "datePublished": "2025-11-03T17:46:15Z",
                    "format": "text/html"
                }
            ]
        }
    ]
}