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HRIS and Bureau Payroll

CHESHIRE FIRE AUTHORITY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

06 Jul 2026 at 12:53

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Cheshire Fire Authority has initiated a soft market test in the planning stage for a cloud-based Human Resources Information System (HRIS) and Bureau Payroll solution. The focus of this process is early market engagement to assess potential systems and costs before the official procurement procedure begins. The procurement falls under the goods category, specifically software packages and information systems, within the sub-central government classification. Located in Winsford, Cheshire, United Kingdom, this test is part of an insightful exercise expected to conclude on 3rd August 2026. This exercise will not only examine market solutions but also help the Authority finalise their requirements for a forthcoming procurement likely to start in December 2026 and end by November 2031.

This tender presents a valuable opportunity for businesses specialising in software and information systems, particularly those capable of delivering a cloud-based HRIS and payroll service. The engagement aims to better understand the market, making it ideal for companies positioned to provide cost-efficient, innovative solutions tailored to public authority needs. SMEs meeting these criteria are encouraged to participate and register their interest via the Sell2Bluelight e-Tendering system, thus positioning themselves favourably for future business growth and partnership with the Cheshire Fire Authority.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

HRIS and Bureau Payroll

Notice Description

This Notice is placed as part of a soft market test to explore the range of systems available for a HRIS and Bureau Payroll Solution for Cheshire Fire Authority ("the Authority"). The Authority is carrying out early market engagement ahead of a potential procurement for a cloud-based Human Resources Information System (HRIS), to be delivered alongside a fully managed Bureau payroll service. This is an initial engagement exercise only. It is not a call for competition, but an opportunity for the Authority to better understand the market, potential solutions, and likely costs before finalising its requirements and procurement approach. This Soft Market Test will be conducted through the Sell2Bluelight e-Tendering system. To access the documents required to express an interest please use the following link; https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/publictenders If you are not already registered on Sell2Bluelight register FREE on https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/register A supplier user guide is available using the following link; https://bluelightcommercial.police.uk/media/2284/sell2bluelight-in-tend-full-supplier-guide.pdf The closing date for expressing an interest and providing a response is Monday 3rd August 2026. All suppliers must state that they do not believe there is any conflict of interest before expressing an interest/providing a response.

Planning Information

This Notice is placed as part of a soft market test to explore the range of systems available for a HRIS and Bureau Payroll Solution for Cheshire Fire Authority ("the Authority"). The Authority is carrying out early market engagement ahead of a potential procurement for a cloud-based Human Resources Information System (HRIS), to be delivered alongside a fully managed Bureau payroll service. This is an initial engagement exercise only. It is not a call for competition, but an opportunity for the Authority to better understand the market, potential solutions, and likely costs before finalising its requirements and procurement approach. This Soft Market Test will be conducted through the Sell2Bluelight e-Tendering system. To access the documents required to express an interest please use the following link; https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/publictenders If you are not already registered on Sell2Bluelight register FREE on https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/register A supplier user guide is available using the following link; https://bluelightcommercial.police.uk/media/2284/sell2bluelight-in-tend-full-supplier-guide.pdf The closing date for expressing an interest and providing a response is Monday 3rd August 2026. All suppliers must state that they do not believe there is any conflict of interest before expressing an interest/providing a response.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c456
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/063213-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
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

CPV Codes

48000000 - Software package and information systems

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
6 Jul 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Aug 20263 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Dec 2026 - 30 Nov 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
CHESHIRE FIRE AUTHORITY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WINSFORD, CHESHIRE
Postcode
CW7 2FQ
Post Town
Crewe
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD63 Cheshire West and Chester
Delivery Location
TLD6 Cheshire
Local Authority
Cheshire West and Chester
Electoral Ward
Winsford Over & Verdin
Westminster Constituency
Mid Cheshire

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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