Tender

WCC Children & Families Service Digital Front Door Solution Market Testing

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderCancellation

18 Feb 2026 at 11:17

Planning

26 Nov 2025 at 12:22

Summary of the contracting process

Warwickshire County Council is in the planning phase of procuring a digital solution for its Children & Families Service. This "Digital Front Door Solution" aims to streamline access to support services through innovative technologies such as conversational AI and smart chatbots. Organisations interested in participating must register on the Warwickshire e-tendering platform by the deadline of 15 December 2025. Located in the West Midlands region, this procurement process, scheduled to potentially commence contract phases in April 2026, categorises under services with a focus on communication software development, inviting businesses to explore new opportunities.

The tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses specialising in digital software and AI solutions to contribute to the development of crucial public services. Enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized ones, capable of offering scalable and comprehensive digital communication software will find this tender especially rewarding. By engaging in this market testing, organisations can help shape the future structure of service delivery within the council, providing insights into optimal service models and improvements. Businesses that excel in technology innovation and collaborative public service solutions are well-suited to this procurement opportunity.

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Notice Title

WCC Children & Families Service Digital Front Door Solution Market Testing

Notice Description

Children and Families Service is exploring innovative approaches to deliver a modern, digital solution that acts as a digital front door, with intelligent features such as conversational AI, smart chatbots and intent recognition. This platform will enable families and partners to quickly and easily search for support, guiding them to the most appropriate services based on their needs. The Council wants to engage with a variety of organisations, in a confidential setting, so that we can ensure we have considered all possible options and any associated risks and issues during our procurement process. We would like to hear from providers who can deliver all aspects of the service, and can provide a scalable solution. If you are able to or are interested in delivering parts of the service, please indicate this in your response. Your participation will help us understand how well the local market can meet our support needs and contribute ideas as to how the current services may be improved for people.

Planning Information

Warwickshire County Council will be using its e-tendering system (WarwickshireCC) for the administration of this procurement process. Providers must register with the system to be able to express an interest and download documents. The web address for the portal is: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/warwickshirecc/aspx/Home Registration and use of our portal is free. When registering you will be re-directed to the In-Tend sell2midlands site. If you already registered and have issues logging in then you may need to re-set your password. You will need to select "Log in to portal" next to Warwickshire County Council. All correspondence or clarifications relating to this procurement must be via the portals' correspondence function. If you are having trouble registering with the portal please email us at: procurement@warwickshire.gov.uk Providers must register on In-Tend and log in to our portal to express an interest in this project and to be able to correspond with us about this market testing. The deadline for Market Testing Returns is 15th December 2025 at 12 midday, and the deadline for clarification questions is 5th December 2025 at 12 midday.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e91c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/014660-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK12 - Procurement Termination Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

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


CPV Codes

72212510 - Communication software development services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Withdrawn
Lots Status
Withdrawn
Awards Status
Cancelled
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
Additional Buyers

MISSING

Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
procurement@warwickshire.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
WARWICK
Postcode
CV34 4SA
Post Town
Coventry
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLG West Midlands (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLG1 Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLG13 Warwickshire CC
Delivery Location
TLG13 Warwickshire CC

Local Authority
Warwick
Electoral Ward
Warwick Saltisford
Westminster Constituency
Warwick and Leamington

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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