Portsmouth Day Opportunities Framework: Learning Disability Guide

Portsmouth City Council's Day Opportunity Services Framework for adults with learning disabilities is an open framework that stays open to new providers until 31 October 2032. Applications are assessed twice a year, for entry in April and October. Entry is scored on 100% quality, with a minimum score of 1 ("good") on every quality sub-criterion, and the council says even a provider supporting 1 or 2 people can apply.

Tender at a glance

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- Buyer: Portsmouth City Council.

- Title: Day Opportunity Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities, Open Framework.

- References: Find a Tender OCID ocds-h6vhtk-047d8f. Contracts Finder IT-26-4979-P00004979.

- Regime: Public Contracts Regulations 2015, light touch regime, run in general accordance with the open procedure.

- Value: £6.1m per year, £48.8m over the 8-year term, as stated in the notice.

- Term: 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2032.

- Entry: applications assessed twice a year, for entry in April and October.

- Entry scoring: 100% quality, minimum 1 ("good") on every quality sub-criterion.

- Call-offs: block call-offs likely to be awarded on 70% quality and 30% cost.

- Portal: In-Tend.

What the Portsmouth framework buys

The framework covers day services and day opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, based predominantly in the Portsmouth area but which may extend to surrounding areas. The council frames the service around four outcome areas: health, independence, community and employment.

Your application should show how a typical week of activity moves people towards each of those four outcomes, and how progress is recorded and reviewed.

Built for small and specialist providers

The notice makes a point most councils do not: the framework is open to SMEs and micro providers, and a provider could apply to support just 1 or 2 people. That makes it a realistic first public sector contract for a small learning disability day service or community activity provider.

The council has 2 properties available under lease. Otherwise, providers must source their own premises, so your application needs a clear position on where activities take place.

How entry is scored

Entry is decided on quality alone. Tenderers must score a minimum of 1 ("good") on every quality sub-criterion. One weak answer fails the application, however strong the others are. Price is not scored at entry.

Block call-offs made later through further competition are likely to be awarded on 70% quality and 30% cost.

How pricing works

• Providers submit maximum hourly rates for staffing ratios of 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, 4:1 and 5+:1.
• Rates are held for 12 months, after which any uplift is annual in April.
• Further competitions operate on a "meet or beat" basis against framework rates.
• Commissioning is by hours, excluding travel time. Transport is priced separately.
• TUPE is listed as one of the factors that can allow further-competition pricing to vary from framework rates.

CQC requirements, insurance levels and KPIs are not stated in the published notice. Check the tender pack on In-Tend.

When to apply

Applications are only viewed and assessed twice a year, for entry in April and October. The council can close the framework to new entrants with 3 months' notice. The next window's submission date is not stated in the published notice, so check In-Tend for the current timetable and build your application well before it.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Portsmouth day opportunities framework open to new providers?

Yes. It is an open framework running to 31 October 2032, with applications assessed twice a year for entry in April and October. The council can close it to new entrants with 3 months' notice, so check the current position on In-Tend.

How is entry to the Portsmouth framework scored?

Entry is 100% quality, and tenderers must score at least 1 ("good") on every quality sub-criterion. Price is not scored at entry. Later block call-offs are likely to be awarded on 70% quality and 30% cost.

Can a small provider join the Portsmouth day opportunities framework?

Yes. The notice states the framework is open to SMEs and micro providers, and that a provider could apply to support 1 or 2 clients. You will still need to meet the minimum quality score on every sub-criterion.

How are day opportunities priced in Portsmouth?

Providers set maximum hourly rates for staffing ratios from 1:1 to 5+:1. Commissioning is by hours, excluding travel time, and transport is priced separately. Rates are held for 12 months, then any uplift is annual in April.

Can TenderLab write our Portsmouth framework application?

Yes. We write every quality answer against the four outcome areas and the scoring guidance, and our independent quality assurance team checks each answer clears the minimum score before you review it.

What lead time does an April or October window need?

Allow several weeks before the window. That gives time for the information request, drafting, independent quality assurance and your review, without rushing the answers that decide entry.

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: Dorset Council Care, Support, Housing and Community Safety Open Framework
• Case study: Bedford Borough Council Supported Living Framework
• The social value you can actually deliver in care tenders

Sources

• Find a Tender: Portsmouth Day Opportunity Services Framework
• Contracts Finder: Day Opportunity Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities