Preliminary Market Engagement All-Age Independence Development and Enabling (IDE) Service

Swindon Borough Council is seeking engagement and intelligence in relation to an opportunity to establish an All-Age Independence Development and Enabling (IDE) service that through short term outcome-based intervention will support people to develop skills that equips them to live as independent a life as possible and also supports Swindon Borough Council (SBC) to fulfil their obligations under the Care Act, 2014. We want to gather information to develop an approach with people aged 16 – 25, potentially bringing into scope, ‘all age’ if proof of concept is established.

Swindon Borough Council is seeking input from the market for the supply of a community-based enablement approach for people of all ages. This market assessment is not part of the procurement process, but is purely investigative in nature, to assist the Council in potentially defining a specification and contract for a pilot as proof of concept.

This advert relates to a ‘soft market testing’ exercise only and is NOT a call for competition. Any contracts for services or supplies relating to this exercise may be subject to separate procurement process(es) in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.

Swindon Borough Council will include providers who have engaged in this SME in any potential RFQ process related to this pilot. All participants in this ‘soft market testing’ exercise shall be responsible for their own costs (including third party costs) and the Contracting Authority shall have no liability to any participant.

The purpose of this Soft Market Test is to gain intelligence on the supply market for Swindon Borough Council’s potential requirements, including information that will shape the most appropriate structure and plan for any potential competitive procurement exercise, to gather engagement on the outcomes that might support people’s increased independence through a short term enablement approach, and to quasi test identified outcomes and approach The estimated value for the pilot contract is £52,000 for an initial 6 month pilot . And may be extended by up to a further twelve months with the agreement of both parties.

I am requesting completion of simple questionnaire; we encourage providers to engage with people who use their services. The closing date for the soft market testing is mid-day 8th July 2025. For the avoidance of doubt, no information provided in response to this questionnaire will be used by the Council in assessing providers during any future procurement process.