Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Aberdeenshire Council
Woodhill House, Westburn Road
Aberdeen
AB16 5GB
UK
Contact person: Sean Watson
Telephone: +44 1467539600
E-mail: sean.watson@aberdeenshire.gov.uk
NUTS: UKM50
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00232
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
2026 Social Care - Aberdeenshire Self Directed Support Services
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85300000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership have a service requirement for a locally based service to provide advice and information to members of the public regarding all aspects of Self-Directed Support, including information about the legislation and the four options available under The Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.
The service will include:
- Support and advice to enable the supported person to access resources that will assist in the meeting of outcomes
- the provision of information, support and advice in response to eligible referrals that will assist the individual to consider and understand the four options available to them
- participation where requested in the support planning process
- assistance to those supported persons that choose to employ staff to do so effectively and lawfully; and including support to the individual to access legal and payroll support
- an Individual Service Fund management service that will be accessible to eligible individuals that choose an Individual Service Fund under Option 2 to fund all or some of their care and support package. This will include the management of prepaid card accounts
- Develop and facilitate a service user forum
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
2 000 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85300000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM50
Main site or place of performance:
Aberdeenshire
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Aberdeenshire Health and Social Care Partnership have a service requirement for a locally based service to provide advice and information to members of the public regarding all aspects of Self-Directed Support, including information about the legislation and the four options available under The Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Act 2013.
The service will include:
- Support and advice to enable the supported person to access resources that will assist in the meeting of outcomes
- the provision of information, support and advice in response to eligible referrals that will assist the individual to consider and understand the four options available to them
- participation where requested in the support planning process
- assistance to those supported persons that choose to employ staff to do so effectively and lawfully; and including support to the individual to access legal and payroll support
- an Individual Service Fund management service that will be accessible to eligible individuals that choose an Individual Service Fund under Option 2 to fund all or some of their care and support package. This will include the management of prepaid card accounts
- Develop and facilitate service user forum.
The Self Directed Support (SDS) service will be accessible to all individuals across Aberdeenshire requiring information, advice and support in relation to SDS, including children, young people and unpaid carers. The level of support and communication needs of those requiring support will vary significantly and the Provider should be able to engage effectively face to face or with technology to respond to the needs of the individual.
The services will be provided for people with a range of needs including, older people, people with a learning disability, people with mental health problems, people with physical disabilities, autistic people, people with sensory impairment and people with substance misuse problems.
The Individual Service Fund Management service will be accessible to all individuals across Aberdeenshire who are eligible for Self-Directed Support and have chosen an Individual Service Fund under Option 2 to fund all or part of their care and support package.
II.2.14) Additional information
Aberdeenshire Council may require the service specification to be amended to meet its requirements over the duration of the contract; and in response to changes in legislation and statutory guidance or where outcomes demonstrate the benefits of an amendment or in the event of additional funding being made available for service development from other sources (including the Scottish Government).
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
14/10/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
No
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This contract will be a four year contract, at approximately 500000 per annum. Commencement of this contract will be July 2027.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=841649.
(SC Ref:841649)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
31/08/2026