CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon

Opportunity overview

Devon County Council has established an Open Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon and is now opening its second Entry Point. Short breaks are play and leisure opportunities which support disabled children to go to new places, spend time with friends, take part in fun and enjoyable activities, develop their independence, and try new things. These activities could be in the family home, in the community or other residential setting. A short break gives parents, carers, and families a chance to have time out and rest from caring responsibilities. Short breaks can last from a couple of hours to an evening, overnight, or weekend and can be offered during daytimes, evenings, weekends, and school holidays. Recognising that every child, young person, and family is unique, Devon County Council will secure a diverse range of high-quality short breaks provision ensuring that support is proportionate, accessible, and responsive. This Framework enables Devon County Council to call-off and award individual packages and block contracts for placements to approved Framework Suppliers. The Open Light Touch Framework is anticipated to continue for a period of five (5) years unless terminated in accordance with the terms of the Framework. There is the option to extend up to a further three (3) years at the discretion of the Authority. It is anticipated that there will be two (2) Entry Points in the first year and then one (1) Entry Point every other year for the duration of the Open Framework. However, the Authority reserves the right to have more Entry Points at its discretion. The Framework comprises the following Lots: Lot 1: Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years Lot 2: Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14 to 17 years) Lot 3: Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years Suppliers may bid for one or more lots. Prospective bidders are invited to a tender launch event for this opportunity to familiarise themselves with the tender documentation and process. This will be held online as a Microsoft Teams meeting at 09:30 on 20th November 2026. To book their place, interested parties should email: procurementpeople-mailbox@devon.gov.uk and then a Teams invitation will be sent to them. This email address must only be used to arrange attendance for this event. Any other questions in relation to this tender must be raised via the messaging section of the tendering portal www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk.

Lot 1 — Targeted support and short breaks for children from birth up to 13 years

This lot covers targeted short breaks provision for children aged up to 13 years old with disabilities, who have been assessed as requiring targeted support. Services will provide structured, inclusive, and enjoyable activities that promote social connection, confidence, early independence skills, and positive experiences outside the family home.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £14.4m

Participation condition: The conditions of participation relating to the legal and financial capacity and technical ability are set out in the procurement documents, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire.

Award criterion: Quality: 100%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 24 February 2027

Initial contract ends: 25 February 2029

Lot 2 — Targeted support and short breaks for older adolescents (ages 14-17)

This lot provides targeted short breaks for adolescents aged 14-17 years old with disabilities, delivering age appropriate support that promotes independence, wellbeing, and social inclusion. Provision will focus on developing the skills, confidence, and real world experiences young people need now and as they prepare for adulthood, in line with preparing for Adulthood.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £9.6m

Participation condition: The conditions of participation relating to the legal and financial capacity and technical ability are set out in the procurement documents, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire.

Award criterion: Quality: 100%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 24 February 2027

Initial contract ends: 25 February 2029

Lot 3 — Specialist provision and short breaks for children from birth up to 17 years

This lot covers specialist short breaks provision for children and young people up to age of 17 years old with complex and multiple needs who require highly individualised support to ensure safety, wellbeing, and meaningful participation. Children and young people within this lot typically have significant needs across education, health, and social care, and may require 1:1 support or enhanced staffing ratios.

Estimated lot value including VAT: £20.0m

Participation condition: The conditions of participation relating to the legal and financial capacity and technical ability are set out in the procurement documents, in the procurement specific questionnaire. The conditions of participation will be assessed in accordance with the assessment methodologies detailed in the procurement specific questionnaire.

Award criterion: Quality: 100%

Suitable for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Suitable for voluntary, community and social enterprises.

Contract starts: 24 February 2027

Initial contract ends: 25 February 2029

Contracting authority

Devon County Council County Hall, Topsham Road,, Exeter,, EX2 4QD, UKK43, United Kingdom Contact: Hannah Robinson Email: hannah.robinson@devon.gov.uk Website: https://devon.gov.uk

Procurement timetable and procedure

Procedure: Open procedure

Special regime: Light Touch Regime

Clarification deadline: 7 December 2026 at 12:00 pm

Submission deadline: 14 December 2026 at 12:00 pm

Award decision expected by: 11 February 2027 at 11:59 pm

Electronic submissions: allowed

Submission language: EN

Financial terms: The terms and conditions for payments can be found within the competition documents pack.

CPV Classification

85000000 — Health and social work services; 98000000 — Other community, social and personal services

How to submit

The official Find a Tender notice directs suppliers to the buyer’s electronic tendering system. The procurement documents, clarifications and response area are managed there.

Open the buyer’s electronic tendering system ↗

TenderLab qualification first

Before we write, we establish whether the opportunity fits.

We examine the published participation conditions, service scope, geography, regulatory position, available evidence, mobilisation demands and commercial exposure with your team. We only confirm a full tender-writing engagement when the available information supports a responsible view that the provider meets the tender requirements.

If CP2632-25 Open Light Touch Framework for the Provision of Short Breaks for Disabled Children and Young People in Devon is a credible fit, we can map the scored requirements, gather operational evidence and build the response around the buyer documents. The qualification check and any writing support do not guarantee an award; the contracting authority makes the final decision.