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

Central Bedfordshire Council

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

09 Oct 2026 at 12:26

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are jointly developing a framework for alternative education and provision. It is intended to cover education and training services, including special education, online learning, vocational training and tutoring. Delivery is expected across Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough. The councils are seeking provider input while they define the service requirements, aims, contract monitoring, quality assurance, social value and procurement approach. The framework is intended to support alternative provision for learners who need education outside mainstream settings. Providers interested in education or specialist support services in these areas may find the proposed scope relevant, while the final requirements are still being developed.

This is at the planning stage: the councils have announced an intention to procure but have not issued an invitation to tender. They expect to hold a pre-market engagement session online via Microsoft Teams on 27 October 2026, from 13:30 to 15:30, to explain the proposed framework and gather provider feedback. The councils aim to open applications in November 2026. The framework is intended to start on 1 September 2027 and run to 31 August 2031, with a possible extension to 31 August 2035. It is planned as a single-lot framework agreement. No estimated value or application deadline is stated. The councils have not yet set out the tender procedure or the evaluation criteria.

The councils indicate that the framework is suitable for small and medium-sized businesses and voluntary, community and social enterprises. It may suit providers able to deliver alternative education and provision, including specialist education, online learning, vocational training or tutoring, in Central Bedfordshire or Bedford Borough. The engagement agenda signals the areas providers should be ready to discuss: defining alternative education, the councils’ aims and analysis, contract monitoring, quality assurance, social value and the procurement process. This is an opportunity to help shape requirements before the formal competition, rather than to submit a bid now. Providers with relevant delivery experience and the ability to meet quality and monitoring expectations are likely to be well placed to contribute as the councils develop the framework.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

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

Notice Description

Pre-Market Engagement Notice - Alternative Education and Provision Framework Alternative Education and Provision Tender Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are developing a new Alternative Education and Provision Framework, which is intended to commence on 1 September 2027. We are aiming to open the procurement opportunity for applications in November 2026 and would like to invite interested providers to attend a Pre-Market Engagement Event via Microsoft Teams on: Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026 Time: 13:30 - 15:30 The session will provide an opportunity for providers to learn more about the proposed framework, understand the councils' requirements, and ask questions ahead of the procurement process. Agenda Defining Alternative Education and Provision Our Aims and Analysis Contract Monitoring Quality Assurance Procurement Process Social Value Tender Timelines Questions and Close If you would like to attend, or have any queries regarding the event, please contact: Lynzy Stimpson-Sharpley Lynzy.Stimpson-Sharpley@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk We look forward to engaging with providers and welcoming your feedback as we develop the new framework.

Planning Information

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are developing a new Alternative Education and Provision Framework, which is intended to commence on 1 September 2027. We are aiming to open the procurement opportunity for applications in November 2026 and would like to invite interested providers to attend a Pre-Market Engagement Event via Microsoft Teams.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0784b3
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/095629-2026
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, VCSE
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
9 Oct 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
16 Nov 20262 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Sep 2027 - 31 Aug 2031 4-5 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
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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