Planning

New Foster Care Select List

SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

05 May 2026 at 11:25

Planning

16 May 2025 at 11:49

Summary of the contracting process

Suffolk County Council is in the planning stage of a significant procurement process titled "New Foster Care Select List," aimed at establishing a framework for the provision of Foster Care services. This procurement is categorised under the "Health and Social Work Services" industry and is set within the UKH14 region, United Kingdom. The council is considering options such as a Framework, Open Framework, or Dynamic Market and is reviewing the potential implementation of a Commission East framework agreement. Key dates include the future notice date on 1st November 2027, with the contract expected to commence on 1st April 2028 and run until 31st March 2030, with the possibility of extensions until 31st March 2032. The estimated value of this procurement is £40 million, with a gross potential of £48 million under a light-touch regime.

This tender represents a lucrative opportunity for businesses specialising in health and social work services, particularly those with a focus on foster care. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs) are well-positioned to compete due to the suitability criteria laid out. The fostering services sector can leverage this initiative to expand and secure a steady flow of projects over the coming years. Engaging with Suffolk County Council’s procurement process could be a strategic move for businesses looking to strengthen their market presence in the public sector while providing vital social services. The framework's potential scale of £48 million indicates substantial growth opportunities for enterprising providers.

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Notice Title

New Foster Care Select List

Notice Description

A Framework, Open Framework or Dynamic Market (to be determined) for the provision of Foster Care services on behalf of Suffolk County Council. Please note, we are currently reviewing our options for these services (which could potentially include the use of a new Commission East framework agreement for residential and fostering services).

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0515c6
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/040960-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85000000 - Health and social work services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£40,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 May 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Nov 20272 years to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2028 - 31 Mar 2030 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SUFFOLK 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
IPSWICH
Postcode
IP1 2BX
Post Town
Ipswich
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH6 Suffolk
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH62 Ipswich
Delivery Location
TLH14 Suffolk CC

Local Authority
Ipswich
Electoral Ward
Gipping
Westminster Constituency
Ipswich

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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