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CBC-2107-RFI-SK Alternative Education Framework re-commission (Request for Information)

Central Bedfordshire Council

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

12 Aug 2026 at 15:06

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

12 Aug 2026 at 14:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are jointly developing an Alternative Education Provision Framework to support children and young people who need tailored educational interventions. The planned services cover online and face-to-face tuition, vocational learning, alternative curriculum provision, mentoring and outreach support, and enrichment activities. This is an education and training services requirement, including special education, e-learning, vocational training and tutorial services. Delivery will take place in the Central Bedfordshire and Bedford areas. Central Bedfordshire Council is the buyer, with Bedford Borough Council acting as a joint commissioning and participating contracting authority. The framework is intended to provide flexible alternative education across different delivery modes and types of learner support.

The process is at the planning and preliminary market engagement stage, intended to inform a future re-commissioning rather than invite tenders. The councils expect to use a light-touch procedure for a framework agreement. They are seeking provider feedback through a Request for Information Questionnaire, with responses expected by 15 September 2026. A subsequent notice is currently anticipated for 16 November 2026. The proposed single lot has an indicative contract period from 1 September 2027 to 31 August 2030, with a possible extension to 1 September 2032 and renewal provisions. The lot is marked as suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises. No procurement value or award criteria are stated at this stage.

This will suit education, alternative provision, tutoring, vocational training, e-learning and youth-support organisations able to work with children and young people requiring tailored provision. Relevant providers may offer a single specialist service, such as online tuition, mentoring or vocational learning, or a broader package combining face-to-face teaching, alternative curricula, outreach and enrichment. Organisations should consider how they can deliver flexibly across Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, including different modes of learning and individualised interventions. The councils are specifically seeking market feedback on the future framework’s structure, requirements and delivery model, so providers with practical experience of designing or delivering alternative education should prepare clear views on service models, learner support and implementation. The planned lot is identified as suitable for SMEs.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

CBC-2107-RFI-SK Alternative Education Framework re-commission (Request for Information)

Notice Description

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement (PME) exercise to inform the re-commissioning of an Alternative Education Provision Framework from September 2027. The proposed framework will support children and young people requiring tailored educational interventions and is expected to include online and face-to-face tuition, vocational learning, alternative curriculum provision, mentoring/outreach support, and enrichment activities. The Councils are seeking feedback from providers to help shape the future framework structure, requirements, and delivery mode

Planning Information

Request for Information Questionnaire

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06e2cb
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/076871-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
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

80 - Education and training services

CPV Codes

80000000 - Education and training services

80340000 - Special education services

80420000 - E-learning services

80530000 - Vocational training services

80590000 - Tutorial services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Aug 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
16 Nov 20263 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2030 3-4 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
Central Bedfordshire 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
SHEFFORD
Postcode
SG17 5TQ
Postcode Area
Stevenage
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH25 Central Bedfordshire
Delivery Location
TLH24 Bedford, TLH25 Central Bedfordshire
Local Authority
Central Bedfordshire
Electoral Ward
Shefford
Westminster Constituency
Hitchin

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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