CBC-2107-RFI-SK Alternative Education Framework re-commission (Request for Information)

Procurement reference

CBC-2107-RFI-SK

Procurement description

Pre-Market Engagement Notice – Alternative Education and Provision Framework

Alternative Education and Provision Tender

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are developing a new Alternative Education and Provision Framework, which is intended to commence on 1 September 2027.

We are aiming to open the procurement opportunity for applications in November 2026 and would like to invite interested providers to attend a Pre-Market Engagement Event via Microsoft Teams on:

Date: Tuesday 27 October 2026

Time: 13:30 - 15:30

The session will provide an opportunity for providers to learn more about the proposed framework, understand the councils' requirements, and ask questions ahead of the procurement process.

Agenda

Defining Alternative Education and Provision

Our Aims and Analysis

Contract Monitoring

Quality Assurance

Procurement Process

Social Value

Tender Timelines

Questions and Close

If you would like to attend, or have any queries regarding the event, please contact:

Lynzy Stimpson-Sharpley

Lynzy.Stimpson-Sharpley@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk

We look forward to engaging with providers and welcoming your feedback as we develop the new framework.

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UKH25 - Central Bedfordshire
• UKH24 - Bedford

Contract dates (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM to 31 August 2031, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 August 2035

Is a framework being established?

Yes

Central Bedfordshire Council

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80340000 - Special education services
• 80420000 - E-learning services
• 80530000 - Vocational training services
• 80590000 - Tutorial services

Delivery regions

• UKH25 - Central Bedfordshire
• UKH24 - Bedford

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2031, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2035, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Engagement process description

Central Bedfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council are developing a new Alternative Education and Provision Framework, which is intended to commence on 1 September 2027.

We are aiming to open the procurement opportunity for applications in November 2026 and would like to invite interested providers to attend a Pre-Market Engagement Event via Microsoft Teams.

Due date

27 October 2026, 23:59PM

Has the engagement period already ended?

No

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

16 November 2026