---
title: "Soft Market Test - HR & Payroll Solution"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Planning"
buyer: "BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL"
published: "2026-05-28"
---

# Soft Market Test - HR & Payroll Solution

Buyer: BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL  
Current stage: Planning  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8

[View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8)  
[Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8.json)

## Summary

Bristol City Council is initiating a procurement process to explore systems for a new HR and Payroll Solution, currently in the planning stage. This involves a Soft Market Test, slated for a due date of 18th June 2026, conducted via the Pro-Contract e-Tendering system. Located in the UKK11 region, Bristol, this initiative falls under the 'goods' category, specifically targeting the software package and information systems sector. The programme is planned for a contract period beginning 1st November 2027, concluding in 2035, with potential extensions up to 2037. Businesses interested should note that a preliminary market engagement notice was published on 28th May 2026.

This tender offers substantial opportunities for businesses specializing in software and information systems to engage with Bristol City Council's requirements, particularly those capable of delivering comprehensive HR and Payroll solutions. It is especially suited for vendors familiar with public sector contracts, given the procurement method involves a pre-engagement assessment stage called the Soft Market Test. Companies able to demonstrate innovative HR and payroll solutions will find this an ideal opportunity to establish or expand their presence within the public sector market in the United Kingdom. The structured timeline and clear expectations offer a solid foundation for competitive bids aiming to address the council's needs effectively.

## Notice

Bristol City Council is conducting a soft market test to explore the range of systems available for a HR and Payroll Solution.

### Planning Information

This Soft Market Test will be conducted through the Pro-Contract e-Tendering system. To access the documents required to express an interest please use the following link https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=3ef22e3f-9d5a-f111-813c-005056b64545

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050432-2026 |
| Notice type | UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Goods |
| Procurement method | Not Specified |
| Procurement method details | Not specified |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Planning |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 28 May 2026 |
| Submission deadline | Not specified |
| Future notice date | 1 Feb 2027 |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 1 Nov 2027 - 1 Nov 2035 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | Not specified |
| Lots value | Not specified |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Planning |
| Lots status | Planning |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL |
| Locality | BRISTOL |
| Post town | Bristol |
| Postcode | BS1 5TR |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLK5 West of England |
| ITL 3 | TLK51 Bristol, City of |
| Local authority | Bristol, City of |
| Electoral ward | Hotwells and Harbourside |
| Westminster constituency | Bristol Central |
| Delivery location | TLK11 Bristol, City of |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 48 - Software package and information systems

### Codes

- 48000000 - Software package and information systems

## Release History

- 28 May 2026 at 14:29 - PlanningUpdate - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050432-2026
- 28 May 2026 at 14:20 - Planning - UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050424-2026

## Documents

- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050432-2026
  28th May 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender
- https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050424-2026
  28th May 2026 - Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender

## Notice URLs

- http://www.bristol.gov.uk
- https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=3ef22e3f-9d5a-f111-813c-005056b64545
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-06a7e8.json.