We're tendering for a new single framework for the majority of Adult Social Care services. It will bring together all previous frameworks.
The new single framework will help us simplify the way in which we buy care and support by streamlining our terms and conditions, quality assurance frameworks and tender processes and improve outcomes for service users.
The Single Framework for Adult Social Care will replace several of our existing contracts.
Providers who wish to join the framework, as well as existing framework providers looking to expand their delivery offer, should refer to the relevant lot-specific guidance below.
Framework opportunities by lot
Lot 1: Residential and nursing care homes
We want more care home providers to join the Framework, especially in Bristol.
We're looking for providers that support older people, people with dementia, mental health needs, or learning disabilities.
We welcome applications from high-quality providers.
Lot 2: Supported accommodation
We want more supported accommodation providers to join the Framework.
We're looking for safe, accessible homes for people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, autism, or other complex needs.
Providers should help people live as independently as possible.
Lot 3: Extra care housing
We already have providers for all current Extra Care Housing services. We don't expect to need new providers at the moment.
Lot 4: Home care
We currently have enough home care providers on the Framework.
We're reviewing how work is shared between providers. You can improve your ranking by applying in a future Framework round.
Lot 5: Community support, day opportunities and help when you need it
We currently have enough providers for most services in this lot.
We would like more providers with staff trained in British Sign Language (BSL). Services should help people become more independent and reduce support when it is no longer needed.
Lot 6: Individual service funds and direct payments
We welcome applications from organisations that support people using Direct Payments.
We're especially looking for providers that can help with recruiting Personal Assistants (PAs), payroll, and managing Direct Payments.
We may add Individual Service Funds to the Framework in the future.
Lot 7: Carers
Our current contract for carers' services runs until spring 2027.
You can still apply to join the Framework. We expect a new opportunity to be available around November 2026.
Lot 8: Advocacy
Our current advocacy contract runs until October 2029.
You can still apply to join the Framework. We expect a new opportunity to be available around May or June 2029.
A simpler route to future commissioning opportunities
If you're a provider commissioned to deliver one of the contracts listed above and your contract is due to expire in the next 12 to 18 months, the new contract will be tendered through the single framework.
This will apply to the majority of Bristol's local care market that we commission with.
We hope that you will find:
- getting on to this framework simpler and more streamlined than in the past
- it easier to work with us to grow your business and take on supporting new Bristol service users post their care act assessments and support plans
Our role as commissioners continues to be to facilitate a robust and resilient local care market and the framework is going to be the procurement route to help ensure that.
When the tender will happen
The framework is open for new suppliers throughout the year.
We manage the evaluation of new tender submission through ‘rounds' which operate throughout the year.
We will publish indicative tender rounds dates in due course.
Round 4 is open. Read our pdf letter for bidders regarding Round 4(227 KB) .
Find more information on our Opportunities to Tender page.
Engagement and consultation
We ran a number of provider events to discuss how the single framework will operate.
We will also talk to our service providers through our provider forums.
We ran two tender events to support providers. Information from these event can be found here: