Tender Opportunity: Health Service Framework Agreement

Tender applications are still welcome, but the next tender evaluation process will not be until April 2026 at the earliest. A full ITT update will be made available early in the New Year. In the meantime, if providers and practitioners want to know more, they can get in touch with m.holley@tactcare.org.uk, and a discussion will be scheduled.

The Adolescent and Children’s Trust (TACT) is seeking to establish a multi-provider framework agreement for the provision of psychological, mental health, and wellbeing services for children and young people in foster care across England, Scotland, and Wales.

The framework is designed to ensure that children and young people in our care have timely access to high-quality psychological, mental health, and wellbeing services. Therapeutic and wellbeing interventions may be provided directly to children and young people or indirectly via foster carers, supervising social workers, local authority social workers and other relevant individuals who are part of the team around the child.

Aligned to TACT’s 2023–2028 Strategic Plan and the Health Commissioning Strategy 2024, this framework will support the delivery of services across four distinct lots:

Lot 1: Assessment and Formulation
Lot 2: Therapeutic Provisions (Regulated)
Lot 3: Wellbeing Provisions
Lot 4: Health Advocacy and Second Opinion Services

Providers may apply for one or more lots and may choose to deliver services in specific regions or across all TACT operational areas. We welcome applications from all providers who can meet the technical specifications and compliance aspects set out in the framework contract, including those who may normally be precluded from public procurement activities due to operating as a small sole trader.

Why join the framework?

This opportunity offers a range of strategic benefits to successful suppliers including:

Long-Term Stability: The framework has a potential duration of up to 9 years (an initial 3-year term to run in line with the organisational strategy, with three optional 2-year extensions which can be drawn on based on future need and organisational direction), offering long-term partnership and a level of financial predictability.
Streamlined Procurement: Once appointed, suppliers benefit from reduced bureaucracy and due diligence during future procurement and call-off activities, saving time and administrative effort.
Lower Marketing Costs: Being part of the framework reduces the need for ongoing marketing and tendering for individual contracts.
Flexibility and Growth: Suppliers can choose which services and regions they wish to deliver in, with opportunities to expand as demand grows. The framework will also offer suppliers and TACT continuous improvement opportunities by providing platforms to showcase new ideas and technologies which support vulnerable children and young people.
Extended Reach: The framework may be extended to TACT’s partner organisations, increasing the potential for additional work and innovation opportunities.
Enhanced Credibility: Working with a respected and well-known organisation like TACT enhances your profile and builds trust with other commissioners and providers.
Making a Difference: Participating as a supplier in this framework means directly improving the lives of children and young people in care. Your services help provide stability, support, and brighter futures for those who need it most.

We would encourage interested providers to review all documentation thoroughly and take advantage of opportunities to submit clarification questions if necessary.