Planning

WCC Children & Families Service Digital Front Door Solution Market Testing

WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

26 Nov 2025 at 12:22

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Warwickshire County Council is currently in the planning stage for a procurement titled "WCC Children & Families Service Digital Front Door Solution Market Testing." This initiative focuses on the development of a digital front door solution with advanced features like conversational AI, smart chatbots, and intent recognition, aimed at improving access to services for families and partners. The project falls under the services industry category, specifically communication software development services, and is scheduled to be delivered within the UKG13 region. The key milestone involves market engagement, with providers required to register on the WarwickshireCC portal by the market testing return deadline of 15th December 2025. The procurement method is being administered via the e-tendering system, with ongoing engagement to understand market capabilities and refine the project's scope.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses specialising in digital solutions, AI technology, and software development. Organisations that can deliver scalable solutions for a digital service platform will find this project appealing. This procurement is particularly suited for SMEs capable of providing comprehensive service delivery or those interested in contributing parts to the overarching solution. Participation in this tender not only opens avenues for direct service provision but also allows businesses to shape the future of digital support services, influencing how families access and benefit from local support structures. This project embraces innovation, rewarding businesses with a forward-thinking approach and the capability to enhance public service delivery.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05e91c
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/077207-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement 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
26 Nov 20251 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Dec 20252 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 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
WARWICKSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
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

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. 

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