Plymouth Homecare Framework 2026: Provider Qualification Analysis

Plymouth City Council and NHS Devon Integrated Care Board have published the Plymouth Homecare Light Touch Framework (PEO/25029), a single-lot homecare framework valued at £312,138,968 that could run for up to 9 years. Tenders close at 12:00 on 20 November 2026, with clarification questions closing at 17:00 on 5 November 2026. The detail that should shape every bid decision: quality method statements carry 95% of the award weighting and social value 5%, with no price weighting listed in the notice.

Tender at a glance

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- Buyer: Plymouth City Council, with NHS Devon Integrated Care Board also listed as a buyer.

- Reference: PEO/25029. Find a Tender notice 100435-2026.

- Value: £312,138,968, single lot.

- Regime: Procurement Act 2023, open procedure, light touch regime.

- Framework: maximum 12 participants, call-offs with and without reopening competition.

- Term: 10 May 2027 to 9 May 2030, reopened at 3-year intervals (3 + 3 + 3) to a maximum end date of 9 May 2036.

- Award criteria: Quality method statements 95%, social value 5%.

- Clarifications close: 17:00, 5 November 2026.

- Tenders close: 12:00, 20 November 2026. Award period ends 12 January 2027.

- Portal: Supplying the South West.

What the Plymouth homecare framework buys

The framework covers homecare for adults aged 18 and over who have been assessed as requiring care and support in their own home, delivered within the administrative boundaries of Plymouth City Council. The notice describes the area as predominantly urban with low-density rural and coastal terrain, and the service is subject to ordinary residence.

The provider must deliver CQC-regulated personal care and associated support under the Care Act 2014. The notice lists the core activities as personal care, nutrition and hydration, medication support and emergency prioritisation. Subject to assessment, the service may also extend to young people moving into adult services and to people at the end of life.

Two further expectations sit in the notice text and should shape your method statements:

• Reablement and an enabling approach, not task-only visits.
• Community networks, with collaboration across council, health and community partners.

Who this framework suits

• Domiciliary care agencies registered with CQC for personal care, or able to evidence that registration by the time the portal requires it.
• Providers with an operating base, or a credible plan for one, that can cover Plymouth's urban core and its rural and coastal edges.
• Providers that can evidence reablement-style practice, medication support and end of life care at home.
• Providers able to work alongside NHS Devon ICB partners, given the joint commissioning.

The notice marks the framework as suitable for SMEs and VCSE organisations.

How the bid is scored

The notice lists two award criteria for the single lot: quality method statements at 95% and social value at 5%. Price is not listed as an award criterion in the published notice. The number of method statements, their weightings, word limits and scoring descriptors are in the tender documents on the portal, not the notice.

With a maximum of 12 participants, this is a ranked competition. Every mark in the method statements counts, and a provider that treats it as a compliance exercise will not finish in the top 12.

The notice also lists possible modifications during the term: additional homecare services, a move to a provider portal and a Trusted Assessor model. Method statements that show you can work with digital referral systems and trusted assessment will read as ready for the framework the council expects to run.

Selection and eligibility

Economic and technical selection criteria are listed in the notice, but both refer bidders to the Supplying the South West portal for the detail. Insurance levels, financial thresholds, TUPE position, KPIs and rates are not stated in the published notice. Register on the portal and read the full pack before committing writing time.

Because this is a Procurement Act 2023 tender, you will also need to be registered on the Central Digital Platform and share your core supplier information with the council before the tender period ends. Our guide to Central Digital Platform registration for care providers sets out what to file.

A 9-year framework with reopening every 3 years

The framework is anticipated to run for 9 years in three 3-year periods, reopening at each interval to admit new providers. If you miss this round, the next entry point is around the 2030 reopening. That makes this round the one to win if Plymouth matters to your growth plan.

The term also crosses two confirmed pay events: the National Living Wage rising to £13.21 in April 2027 and the first Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care from April 2028. Our guide to pricing multi-year care contracts around the Fair Pay Agreement covers how to plan for both.

What to do before 5 November

1. Register on Supplying the South West and download the full tender pack.
2. Map every method statement question, word limit and scoring descriptor.
3. Raise clarification questions on anything that affects eligibility or delivery before 17:00 on 5 November 2026.
4. Confirm your Central Digital Platform record is complete and shareable.
5. Gather evidence for reablement, medication support, end of life care and partnership working.

Frequently asked questions

When does the Plymouth Homecare Light Touch Framework close?

Tenders close at 12:00 on 20 November 2026. Clarification questions close at 17:00 on 5 November 2026, and the award period ends on 12 January 2027. Submission is through the Supplying the South West portal.

How is the Plymouth homecare tender scored?

The notice lists quality method statements at 95% and social value at 5%. No price weighting is listed in the published notice. Question-level weightings and word limits are in the tender documents on the portal.

How many providers will win a place on the Plymouth homecare framework?

The notice sets a maximum of 12 participants. Call-offs can be made with and without reopening competition, so ranking position and quality scores matter beyond initial admission.

Do I need CQC registration to bid for Plymouth homecare?

The notice states that the provider shall provide CQC-regulated personal care and associated support. Selection criteria detail is held on the portal, so check the tender pack for exactly when registration must be evidenced.

Can TenderLab help us qualify for this tender?

Yes. Our suitability check matches the framework to your CQC position, location, experience and the pass/fail conditions in the tender pack. If it is not winnable, we say so before you commit time.

Do you write the full quality response?

Yes. We write every method statement against the specification and award criteria, then a separate quality assurance team evaluates the draft before you review and approve it.

What is the realistic turnaround given the 20 November deadline?

There are 18 days from publication of this analysis to the deadline, and clarifications close on 5 November. Engage as early as possible so requirements mapping, evidence gathering and drafting can run in parallel.

Are you interested in this framework? TenderLab supports health and social care providers only, with a 92% win rate across 200+ submissions. TenderLab Ltd, Companies House 17184263. Book a free consultation.

Related reading

• Case study: Essex County Council Live at Home Framework 2025
• Hertfordshire Reablement Services Tender 2026 (HCC 09/26)
• Central Digital Platform registration for care providers

Source

• Find a Tender notice 100435-2026: Plymouth Homecare Light Touch Framework