National Body for the Disabled Facilities Grant & Home Improvement Agencies

This Pre-Tender Market Engagement (PTME) seeks information in preparation for the potential procurement of a Supplier (from herein referred to as a "Potential Supplier") to provide a National Body for Disabled Facilities Grants and Home Improvement Agencies ('the Contract'). The purpose of this PTME is to:

• a)help define the requirement;
• b)help provide a better understanding of the feasibility of the requirement;
• c)understand the best delivery approach;
• d)understand the capacity of the market to deliver and possible risks involved; and
• e)provide the market with an opportunity to ask questions, raise queries and identify any issues to be addressed at an early stage.

The Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) is a ring-fenced capital grant administered by local authorities in England. It helps to meet the cost of adapting a property for eligible people of all ages, including those on a low income with a disability or a care need. Adaptations can include widening doors, installing ramps, grab rails, stair lifts, level access showers, raised toilets, access to gardens and, in some instances, home extensions. Heating systems, insulation and Telecare can also be funded through the DFG, which help enable people to live safely and independently.

There has been a national body for Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs) and Home Improvement Agencies (HIAs) since 2000. We are potentially seeking to procure a new Contract for a national body to deliver the vital support to HIAs, local authorities and the wider sector, and to individuals requiring adaptations or other housing advice, to ensure DFGs are delivered efficiently and effectively across England.

The potential Contract is expected to be for a period of 30 months, with the option to extend for up to 2 years in 1 year increments (i.e. 2.5 + 1 + 1 years).

The indicative total value of the Contract, including all extension options (i.e. for 54 months) is estimated at £5M incl. VAT. Please note that this figure is for information purposes only and the Authority shall expect to receive optimum value-for-money proposals as part of any subsequent procurement competition.

Further details are set out in the attached document, and Potential Suppliers are encouraged to respond to the questions therein.

Please note that all communications relating to this notice should be by email to: commercialtenders@levellingup.gov.uk, and quoting 'Ref: CPD-004-124-192 - National Body for Disabled Facilities Grant and Home Improvement Agencies'

The deadline for responding to this PTME is 17:00 GMT, Wednesday 22nd Nov 2023.