This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

25 Jun 2026 at 12:30

Summary of the contracting process

The Caerphilly County Borough Council is currently in the planning stage of procuring a cloud-based BACS payment solution, titled "Provision of BACs Processing System". This procurement, relevant to the financial services and software industry categories, seeks to enhance the Council's capabilities in managing high-volume, mission-critical payment operations. Interested suppliers are invited to participate in market engagement activities by providing insights and feedback by 13th July 2026. The Council requests a BACS-approved solution that supports secure payment processing, integration with existing systems, and operational flexibility. The implementation completion deadline is 17th July 2027, and the project is based in the UK region UKL16.

This tender presents robust opportunities for businesses with experience in financial transaction processing, financial analysis software, and software implementation services. SMEs are particularly encouraged to compete. Companies providing Software as a Service (SaaS) solutions that can enhance security and compliance while offering integration with diverse banking systems stand to benefit. The procurement values transparency, encouraging innovative approaches that go beyond existing methods to support secure, scalable, and flexible payment processing solutions. Given the contract duration and renewal possibilities, this tender offers long-term potential for growth and partnership with a public sector authority.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Provision of BACs Processing System

Notice Description

The Council is exploring the market for BACS-approved, cloud-based solutions and is seeking feedback on how suppliers can support The Council is seeking a BACS-approved, cloud-based (SaaS) BACS payment and Direct Debit processing solution to support its high-volume, mission-critical payment operations. The solution must enable secure access to BACS for both inbound and outbound transactions, including the receipt of payments via BACS Direct Credits, payroll processing, outbound supplier and beneficiary payments, and Direct Debit collections. The BACS system must be implemented and operational by 17 July 2027. The following describes the Council's current assumptions and initial view of its needs. Suppliers are encouraged to challenge these assumptions and propose alternative approaches where appropriate. We are interested in understanding how supplier solutions support: The solution should support: Core Capabilities All standard BACs payment types, including payroll, payments (Direct Credits), and Direct Debits Submission of AUDDIS files Sterling payments to and from UK bank accounts 24/7 browser-based access, allowing multiple authorised users to operate concurrently Reporting and audit access, including historical transaction and user activity data Processing of Payments for 10 independent business areas/External Systems Scalability and configurable Security and Risk Management Key security and control features to include: Multi-factor authentication, including options for smartcard-based (allowing digital signing of payment files), and/or smartcard-free access Granular user permissions and authorisation levels, supporting segregation of duties Confirmation of Payee and payer name verification, to reduce misdirected payments and fraud risk Validation of bank account numbers, sort codes and payment dates, including bank holiday awareness These controls must be designed to support compliance, reduce failed payments and minimise operational risk. Operational Flexibility and Automation As part of an ongoing review of how we work, we would like the potential to: Automate Direct Debit processing Manage Direct Debit mandates, schedules, and transaction types electronically Configure payment approval workflows aligned with organisational governance requirements This flexibility would support the continued use of manual processing where required, while providing the option to progress towards increased automation over time, informed by the outcomes of the review. Architecture and Deployment Delivered as a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution Accessible from standard web browsers, preferably Microsoft Edge Support multi-bank operation, enabling bank-agnostic payment processing and future flexibility Availability and Reliability High system availability to ensure consistent access for users Reliable end-to-end performance across submission, validation, and payment management Support and Implementation Configuration and implementation support User training (on-site or remote) Documentation, user guides and helpdesk support The high-level requirements set out above are not exhaustive. Please include any additional information you consider relevant or beneficial.

Planning Information

With the above requirements in mind, we invite you to respond to the questions below. 1. Experience & Capability Briefly describe your organisation’s experience in delivering BACS payment solutions, particularly for public sector or complex multi‑service environments. 2. Solution Overview Please provide a high-level overview of your solution, including: Key BACS functionality supported How payments and Direct Debits are managed 3. Security & Controls How does your solution ensure secure and compliant operations, including: User controls and audit Fraud prevention / validation Relevant certifications 4. Integration & Operating Model How does your solution: Integrate with other systems Support multiple business areas and banking relationships 5. Commercial & Market Insight Please provide: Typical pricing approach and cost drivers Any key risks or challenges Any alternative approaches the Council should consider Whether you would be interested in bidding Please can the above information be sent to thomaj11@caerphilly.gov.uk by COP on Monday 13 July 2026.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06bd1a
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/059854-2026
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

48 - Software package and information systems

66 - Financial and insurance services

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


CPV Codes

48440000 - Financial analysis and accounting software package

66110000 - Banking services

66133000 - Processing and clearing services

66170000 - Financial consultancy, financial transaction processing and clearing-house services

72263000 - Software implementation services

72268000 - Software supply services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£250,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
25 Jun 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
31 Jul 20264 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
15 Jul 2027 - 15 Jul 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
CAERPHILLY COUNTY 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
HENGOED
Postcode
CF82 7PG
Post Town
Cardiff
Country
Wales

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLL Wales
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLL5 South East Wales
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLL53 Gwent Valleys
Delivery Location
TLL16 Gwent Valleys

Local Authority
Caerphilly
Electoral Ward
Ystrad Mynach
Westminster Constituency
Caerphilly

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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