This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

30 Jul 2026 at 12:06

Planning

12 Feb 2026 at 10:40

Summary of the contracting process

Darlington Borough Council is currently engaged in a public procurement process titled "Direct Payment Support Service," focusing on financial and insurance services as well as social work and related services in the region of Darlington, United Kingdom. The current stage is the tender stage, and the procurement is being conducted under the open procedure method, in compliance with the legal basis 2023/54. Key dates include the end of the enquiry period on 21st August 2026, tender submission deadline on 7th September 2026, and the award period concluding on 12th November 2026. The contract period is set to begin on 1st January 2027 and may last until 31st December 2030 if extensions are implemented.

This tender offers significant opportunities for business growth, especially for organisations that specialise in social care services, financial support, and insurance. Small and medium enterprises, as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises, are particularly well-suited to compete for this contract, with a strong emphasis on providing quality and social value services. Businesses that can offer tailored services for older individuals, those with disabilities, or special needs, as well as support for carers, are encouraged to participate. With a gross value of £871,200 and an emphasis on enhancing personal choice through direct payment schemes, this procurement offers a substantial business opportunity in the social care sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Direct Payment Support Service

Notice Description

The Direct Payment Support Service will enable Individuals eligible for social care funding to exercise choice and control over their care and support arrangements. The Council is committed to ensuring that the option of a Direct Payment is explored and understood by everyone who is eligible to receive one. The Service will be available to an Individual who is eligible for social care services and chooses to take part or all of their Personal Budget as a Direct Payment to employ their own Personal Assistants or pay for other services of their choice. The Provider shall deliver the service to; Children and Adults eligible for Direct Payments, which may include, but not be limited to: -Older people. -People with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, autism, or mental health needs. -People with fluctuating or complex needs. -Individuals transitioning from Children's to adult services. -Carers (including parent carers) managing Direct Payments on behalf of Individuals.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Renewal: The Council may extend the Contract for a period of 3 x 12 months by providing the Contractor with notice in writing.

Planning Information

The pre-market engagement include a survey to gather feedback from providers.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-064ead
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/072164-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

66 - Financial and insurance services

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

66000000 - Financial and insurance services

85300000 - Social work and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£726,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
£726,000 £500K-£1M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
30 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
7 Sep 20264 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
2 Apr 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2027 6-12 months
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
DARLINGTON BOROUGH 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
DARLINGTON
Postcode
DL1 5QT
Post Town
Darlington
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC3 Tees Valley
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC33 Darlington
Delivery Location
TLC13 Darlington

Local Authority
Darlington
Electoral Ward
Park East
Westminster Constituency
Darlington

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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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