DCAF-National Kinship Care Advice Service
Overview
Summary, notice description and lot information
The Scottish Government, located in Glasgow, has concluded a contract procurement process for the "DCAF-National Kinship Care Advice Service," which aims to provide comprehensive support and advice tailored to kinship carers and children in care. This procurement, categorised under general public services, underwent an open procedure managed by the Scottish Government's Children and Families Directorate, culminating in a contract award with CHILDREN 1ST valued at approximately £697,479.35. The awarded contract, which became active on 25th June 2025, is set to commence on 1st September 2025, serving the UKM region and potentially extending for a 12-month optional period.
The procurement process prioritised quality (80%) over price (20%) within the criteria, with a final tender submission deadline on 6th May 2025 and the bid opening on the same day. This contract provides a significant opportunity for businesses experienced in delivering support services to kinship families, given the comprehensive service requirements and emphasis on quality. Large organisations like CHILDREN 1ST, which have a substantial resource base and experience in social services, are well-positioned to excel in this tender.
The procurement process encourages the involvement of subcontractors and places a strong emphasis on community benefits, such as providing community spaces, inclusive development opportunities, and utilising local enterprises. Therefore, businesses with expertise in community development, social welfare, and those capable of constructing collaborative local networks could find substantial growth opportunities through participation in such procurement activities.
The Scottish Government has a requirement to place a contract with an external service provider for the provision of a National Kinship Care Advice Service. The Scottish Government Children and Families Directorate, on behalf of the Care Experience and Whole Family Wellbeing division, wishes to commission a National Kinship Care Service. The purpose of the Service is to provide relevant support, and up to date advice and information, including peer support, specifically tailored to the needs of kinship carers and children and young people living in kinship care.
The new service should also provide a platform for bringing kinship care families together and the sharing of practice between local authorities and other agencies.
The procurement will follow an Open Procedure. If there are named subcontractors/technicians upon which the bidder will rely to meet the selection criteria, these named parties must complete and reattach the SPD Supplier Response Form attached to SPD questions 2C.1.1 (Technicians) and 2D.1.2 (Subcontractors) on PCS-T. Scottish Government reserves the right to request this information from relevant parties upon whom the main bidder will not rely to fulfil selection criteria. 4C.4 Bidders must confirm that they will include the standard clause in all contracts used in the delivery of the requirements, ensuring payment of subcontractors at all stages of the supply chain within 30 days and include a point of contact for subcontractors to refer to in the case of payment difficulties. This will require active monitoring of payment performance and provision of evidence and reporting to the Scottish Government on a regular basis. Bidders who fail to answer "Yes" to this question will not have their tender considered further. 4C.7 Light Touch: Bidders will be required to confirm that they will employ environmental management measures that meet the following requirements: Evidence that their organisation has taken steps to build their awareness of the climate change emergency and consideration of how they will respond. This should include details of planned projects and actions to reduce the bidder's carbon emissions. 4C.10 Bidders will be required to confirm whether they intend to sub-contract and if so, for what proportion of the contract. Bidders must confirm that they will pay staff that are involved in the delivery of services under the contract, at least the real Living Wage. Any tenderer who answers "No" to this question will not be subject to further evaluation. Bidders will be required to complete a Supplier Assurance Questionnaire with a Moderate risk allocated. Suppliers must pass the initial questionnaire or provide a Cyber Implementation Plan.
Procurement Classification
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Contract Values
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The contract period is two years.
Key Dates
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Notice Status
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Contracting Authority
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Awarded Supplier
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Documents & Links
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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector.
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