Planning

Request for Information for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

THE NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

09 Jul 2025 at 14:00

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The North Yorkshire Council is initiating a procurement process under the planning stage for the provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs). The project, valued at £4,680,000, falls under the services category and aims to establish a framework to enhance foster placements across North Yorkshire. A market engagement notice has been published, with a due date for engagement set on 31st July 2025. The procurement process will take place under the Light Touch Regime, targeting a framework agreement. The contract is expected to run from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2031, with a possible extension to 2036. Interested parties will have an opportunity to respond to a future notice anticipated by 5th January 2026.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in social work and related services, particularly those focused on fostering and child care. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs) will find suitability in competing for a place on this framework, offering diverse solutions for independent fostering. Businesses that can deliver high-quality foster care support will be crucial in augmenting the council's in-house services, providing a reliable and nurturing environment for children and young people. This procurement process is an excellent opportunity for companies to diversify their service offerings and gain a stable, long-term partnership with a public authority while contributing positively to the community.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Request for Information for Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs)

Notice Description

North Yorkshire Council (the Authority) is requesting information from providers to help determine the scope and feasibility of its requirement, to understand the range of potential solutions available in the market, and to assist with drafting a potential future tender specification for the provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs). The Authority is seeking to procure a framework, under Light Touch Regime, of high-quality Independent Fostering Agencies (IFAs) to support the delivery of safe, stable and nurturing foster placements for children and young people across the county with the aim of ensuring that the Authority has access to a diverse and responsive pool of foster carers through external providers, complementing the Authority's in-house provision.

Planning Information

https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=95620&B=

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055c2a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038656-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement 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

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£4,680,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
9 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Jan 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Apr 2026 - 31 Mar 2031 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
THE NORTH YORKSHIRE COUNCIL
Contact Name
Laura Baxter
Contact Email
laura.baxter@northyorks.gov.uk
Contact Phone
+44 1609780780

Buyer Location

Locality
NORTHALLERTON
Postcode
DL7 8AD
Post Town
Darlington
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLE Yorkshire and The Humber
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLE2 North Yorkshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLE22 North Yorkshire
Delivery Location
TLE22 North Yorkshire
Local Authority
North Yorkshire
Electoral Ward
Romanby
Westminster Constituency
Richmond and Northallerton

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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