Preliminary Market Engagement for Homeline and Technology for Independence (T4I): Exploration of Future Service Delivery Options

Swindon Borough Council is exploring alternative delivery models for its Homeline Service (Homeline and Homeline Plus) and, for some options, the Technology for Independence (T4I) service. The purpose of this background is to provide suppliers with sufficient context to support meaningful and informed responses. The anticipated contract value is expected to exceed £3 million. The proposed contract duration is three (3) years, with the provision for up to three (3) optional one-year extensions at the Council’s discretion.

Where alternative delivery models are being considered, this may include models in which the provider is contracted and paid directly by the Council, as well as models where income is derived wholly or partly from charges paid by service users (for example, under a concession-style arrangement). Further detail is provided below to support suppliers in understanding the current charging approach and to inform responses relating to financial and commercial models.

Preliminary Market Engagement

This market engagement is intended to support and improve understanding of delivery models, feasibility, risks and indicative costs. Suppliers are asked to review the background information and complete the Supplier Questionnaire in full for any option(s) or functions they are able to deliver and to clearly state any functions they cannot deliver. This will help the council assess its options, such as whether to commission a whole single service, or to separate out some of the functions, or whether to allow consortium of bidders. Responses should be evidence-based where possible and include clear assumptions. Following submission, the Council may analyse themes across responses and may invite some suppliers to participate in optional follow-up clarification discussions to explore aspects of their responses in more depth. Any information obtained through these clarification discussions will be anonymised and shared in summary form with all participants to ensure transparency and equal access to information.

Participation in this process is voluntary and does not form part of a procurement process, nor does it create any obligation on the Council or on participating organisations. The information gathered will be used solely to inform future service planning.

To see full details about the Homeline and Technology for Independence (T4I) service please see the specification. This Preliminary Market Engagement exercise does not constitute a call for competition and does not commit the Council to any future procurement process. The information gathered will be used solely to inform service design and future commissioning considerations. The Council thanks suppliers in advance for their time and engagement.

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