Published date: 19 September 2023

This notice was replaced on 22 January 2024

This notice does not contain the most up-to-date information about this procurement. The most recent notice is:

Awarded contract (published 22 January 2024)

Closed opportunity - This means that the contract is currently closed. The buying department may be considering suppliers that have already applied, or no suitable offers were made.


Contract summary

Industry

  • Recruitment services - 79600000

  • Education and training services - 80000000

  • Social services - 85320000

Location of contract

North East, North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West

Value of contract

£560,000

Procurement reference

tender_376011/1259737

Published date

19 September 2023

Closing date

19 October 2023

Closing time

12pm

Contract start date

1 December 2023

Contract end date

31 March 2025

Contract type

Service contract

Procedure type

Open procedure (above threshold)

Any interested supplier may submit a tender in response to an opportunity notice.

This procedure can be used for procurements above the relevant contract value threshold.

Contract is suitable for SMEs?

Yes

Contract is suitable for VCSEs?

Yes

Description

The Department for Education is looking for an organisation to develop, co-ordinate and manage Fosterlink a support service for Local Authority (LA) fostering service providers, which will offer in-depth diagnostic support specifically focused on their recruitment and approval practices, with the aim of providing bespoke recommendations for improvement, alongside building a strong evidence base on which to share good practice nationally.

The initial contract term will be 16 months. The contract is expected to commence on the 01 December 2023 and run until 31 March 2025. There will be an option to extend its term for an additional period of 12 months. The optional extension will be subject to supplier contract performance, the requirements of the Department, the outcomes of the upcoming Spending Review and the steers of the party in leadership following the General Election at the end of 2024. 

The contract has an anticipated value of up to £700,000 (VAT inclusive)- for the initial term of 16 months.

Funding allocated to the period between 01/12/23 to 31/03/24 - £500,000 (VAT inclusive)

Funding allocated to the period between 01/04/24 to 31/03/25 - £200,000 (VAT inclusive)

More information

Previous notice about this procurement

The National Support Service - Supplier Engagement Event

  • Early engagement
  • Published 13 July 2023

Links

Additional text

In order to access tender documents the potential bidders must register with Jaggaer e-procurement portal and express their interests for the ITT_2565 - Fosterlink Services - Foster Carer Recruitment.

About the buyer

Address

St Paul's Place
Sheffield
S1 2JF
England

Email

bea.bell@education.gov.uk