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Published 22 Jul 2026, 09:39 BST

Official UK procurement notice

Foundations for Change Framework – Supporting Adults Aged 18–65 Years with Additional Support Needs

Official notice

Authority: West Dunbartonshire Council (Local council)

Framework agreement8 lotsServicesOpen procedureMax 8 lots to bid
Framework ceiling (notional)£23,690,000total for 8 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 18 Sept 2026
Lots 8max 8 to bid

What is being bought8 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

West Dunbartonshire Council on behalf of West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership seeks to establish an Open Flexible Framework for the provision of community support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years who require additional support due to learning disability, autism, complex needs, physical disability, cognitive impairment including acquired brain injury, sensory impairment and mental health challenges. Services will be delivered through Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3 and will adopt an outcomes focused, person centred approach designed to maximise independence, improve quality of life and support individuals to live the lives they choose within their communities. The Framework will remain open during its lifetime and providers may apply for one or more Lots

CPV: Social work and related services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Places
up to 999 suppliers

Lots and requirements (8)Procurement structure

8 lots · all with a published value · a supplier may bid for at most 8 of them · same evaluation weights on every lot

Every one of these 2 lots carries the same published figure, £620,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.

Lot #1Learning DisabilityRenewalPublished value£13,090,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with a learning disability requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with a learning disability. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #2AutismRenewalPublished value£1,250,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with autism requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteri Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with autism. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #3Complex NeedsRenewalPublished value£2,490,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with complex needs including behaviours that challenge and health related support needs under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies, supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process and supporting individuals with complex health and behavioural support requirements.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with complex needs including behaviours that challenge and health related support needs. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #4Physical DisabilityRenewalPublished value£3,740,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with physical disabilities requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with physical disabilities. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #5Cognitive Impairment (Including Acquired Brain Injury)Renewalceiling above

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with cognitive impairment, including acquired brain injury, requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with cognitive impairment, including acquired brain injury. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 monthsVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #6Sensory ImpairmentRenewalceiling above

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with sensory impairment requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with sensory impairment. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #7Mental Health (Including Severe and Enduring Conditions)RenewalPublished value£1,870,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with mental health support needs, including severe and enduring mental health conditions, under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies, preventing hospital admission and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years with mental health support needs, including severe and enduring mental health conditions. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed
Lot #8All Lots 1 to 7RenewalPublished value£23,690,000

Provision of community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years requiring additional support under Self Directed Support Options 2 and 3 across all service categories within the Foundations for Change Flexible Framework.

This Lot covers Learning Disability, Autism, Complex Needs including behaviours that challenge and health related support needs, Physical Disability, Cognitive Impairment including Acquired Brain Injury, Sensory Impairment and Mental Health including severe and enduring mental health conditions.

The Service will support individuals to live the lives they choose through an outcomes focused and person centred approach. Services may include personal care, support with daily living, community participation, promoting independence, maintaining tenancies, preventing hospital admission and supporting positive outcomes identified through the My Life Assessment process.

The Framework will remain open throughout its duration and new entrants may apply to join subject to meeting the relevant selection and award criteria. Additional information: This Lot relates to support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years across all service categories within the Foundations for Change Flexible Framework. The estimated value is a maximum estimated value only and does not guarantee expenditure. The Framework will operate as an Open Flexible Framework and remain open to new entrants throughout its duration.

Delivery: Scotland · West Dunbartonshire
Extensions: The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months. · The Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Agreement for a period of up to 24 months.Variant bids: not allowed

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 8 lots
Quality: 80%Price: 20%
Published award criteria (2)
  • Quality: 80
  • Price: 20
Conditions of participation4
  • Suitability

    Economic operators must be registered with the Care Inspectorate as a Care at Home Service, or be capable of obtaining such registration prior to commencement of service delivery.

    Providers must maintain Care Inspectorate registration throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement and comply with all relevant legislative, regulatory and professional requirements.

    Providers must ensure that employees are registered with the Scottish Social Services Council where required and maintain compliance with all applicable registration standards.

    The successful Provider must maintain a minimum Care Inspectorate inspection score of 3 (Adequate) across all inspected key questions for the duration of the Framework.

  • Economic & financial standing

    Bidders will be required to demonstrate economic and financial standing appropriate to the scale and nature of the Framework. Assessment of financial standing will be undertaken through the Single Procurement Document (SPD) and may include review of annual accounts, turnover, financial ratios and any other information considered necessary by the Council.

    The Council reserves the right to seek additional financial information where required to assess financial viability.

    Minimum: Bidders must demonstrate sufficient economic and financial standing to deliver the services and meet the requirements of the Framework Agreement. Assessment of financial standing will be undertaken through the SPD and financial checks carried out by the Council. The Council reser…
  • Technical & professional ability

    Bidders must demonstrate relevant technical and professional ability to deliver community based support services for adults aged 18 to 65 years requiring additional support.

    Providers must demonstrate experience relevant to the Lots applied for and evidence appropriate staffing arrangements, training, qualifications, quality assurance systems, safeguarding arrangements and experience of delivering outcomes focused support services.

    Minimum: Providers must be suitably experienced, qualified and registered to deliver the services for the Lots applied for. Providers must maintain Care Inspectorate registration as a Care at Home Service and demonstrate robust arrangements for recruitment, training, supervision, quality …
  • Technical & professional ability

    Execution of the service is reserved to providers registered as Care at Home Services with the Care Inspectorate. Successful providers must maintain registration throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement and comply with all relevant legislative, regulatory and professional requirements.

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 20 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 2 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “Foundations for Change Framework – Supporting Adults Aged 18–65 Years…” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, up to 999 suppliers, not a single contract.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record · publisher note attached
Procedure method
Open procedure
Legal basis
CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category
Services
Notice status
Closed
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
No (one-off requirement)
First published
22 Jul 2026, 09:39 BST
Last source update
22 Jul 2026, 09:39 BST
Award evaluation window
21 Sept 2026 – …
Authority reference
2425-41
FTS notice number
2026/S 000-068976
Classification (CPV)
Social work and related services
Delivery area
Scotland (UKM81)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-06d06f Find a Tender
Contract terms
Electronic trading
e-invoicing allowed · electronic ordering · electronic payment
Performance terms

Providers must maintain Care Inspectorate registration as a Care at Home Service throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement.

Providers must comply with all relevant legislation, Care Inspectorate requirements, Scottish Social Services Council requirements, adult protection guidance, fair work practices and the terms and conditions of the Framework Agreement.

Providers must maintain appropriate staffing levels, workforce qualifications, training arrangements, quality assurance systems, outcome monitoring arrangements and safeguarding procedures throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement.

Providers must deliver outcomes focused, person centred services in accordance with Self Directed Support principles and the requirements of the Foundations for Change Flexible Framework.

Review and risk notes
Review procedure

An economic operator that suffers or risks suffering loss or damage attributable to a breach of duty under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 may bring proceedings in the Sheriff Court or Court of Session.

Publisher note: This procurement relates to the establishment of the Foundations for Change Flexible Framework for additional support services supporting adults aged 18 to 65 years old. The Framework will operate for an initial period of 60 months with the option to extend for up to a further 24 months. The estimated Framework value is 23,690,000 inclusive of VAT. This value represents the maximum estimated value of the Framework and should not be interpreted as a guaranteed level of expenditure. The Framework will remain open to new entrants throughout its duration, subject to successful completion of the procurement process and satisfaction of the published selection and award criteria. The Framework is divided into 8 lots. Award criteria: Quality 80%, Price 20%. NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=836454. A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363 Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/ A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: Community Benefits will form part of this procurement. Successful Providers will be expected to support community benefit outcomes proportionate to the value and nature of services delivered. Community benefits may include employability opportunities, work placements, support for local communities, training opportunities, volunteering activity and other social value initiatives. Delivery of community benefits will be monitored throughout the duration of the Framework Agreement. (SC Ref:836454)

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: Public Contracts Scotland · Who buys & how to bid on PCS
Supplier login requiredLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free single registration for Scotland; PCS-Tender (Jaggaer) for full bidding
Appointment period ends
18 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
Submission channel
{"electronicSubmission"}
Accepted languages
en
Bid validity
180 days from the deadline
Bids opened
21 Sept 2026, 12:30 BST
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

22 Jul 2026 → 21 Sept 2026 · 3 dates
  1. Notice published97 days ago
    22 Jul 2026, 09:39 BST
  2. Admission / appointment period ends38 days ago · period end, not a bid countdown
    18 Sept 2026, 12:00 BST
  3. Bids opened35 days ago
    21 Sept 2026, 12:30 BST

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

West Dunbartonshire Council

Contracting authorityLocal CouncilRegional or local authorityHealth 16 Church Street, Dumbarton, Scotland, G82 1QLContact name, email, phone Published organisation website ↗

Dispute resolution & review bodies

  • Dumbarton Sheriff CourtReview body DumbartonContact email, phone

Official documents & specifications

Official links; attachments are not copied

No document links were published on the notice.