The procurement contact named on the official notice.

For further information please read the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and its appendices Clarification questions can be asked on The Chest messaging section. https://www.the-chest.org.uk You should take note of the deadlines in the Procurement Timetable, which is in the ITT. All bids must be received electronically via The Chest by the deadline stated in the Invitation to Tender (ITT). Any clarifications about the tender must be sent via messaging on The Chest by the deadline stated in the ITT.

The submission route named on the official notice.

Cumberland Council is procuring a closed Framework for the Provision of Agency Support for Cumberland Care.

Cumberland Council is implementing this Framework to address staffing shortfalls in its in-house adult social care services "Cumberland Care".

This procurement will establish a closed Framework Agreement.

Suppliers must note that there will only be one opportunity to join the Framework.

Once the Framework is awarded, no further suppliers will be admitted during its term.

Cumberland Care Services include: • Residential care homes • Reablement and domiciliary care • Supported living • Day services • Extra care housing • Shared Lives schemes These services support adults aged 18 and over who require care due to physical disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health needs, or age-related conditions, including dementia.

The framework will enable the Council to recruit the following roles, but is not limited to; • Support Workers • Senior Support Workers • Registered Nurses The Provider must maintain sufficient capacity to respond to planned and urgent cover and ensure 24/7/365 contact.

At Framework commencement, the Provider will supply a single telephone number and single mailbox for all requests and escalations.

The provider will deliver services across the Cumberland Council area.

Services will be available throughout the year, including days, evenings, nights (also, staff may be required on a waking night and sleeping night basis), weekends and Bank Holidays, as required.

Demand will be variable and depend on need.

The council proposes to enter into the contract for an initial term of 30 months with the successful tenderer(s).

There are no optional extensions available.

If the contract runs for the initial term only it will end on 30th April 2029.

The contract value for the initial term is £4750000 excluding VAT.

The contract value for the initial term, potential uplifts is £4750000 excluding VAT.

This figure is indicative only as the uplifts are not guaranteed.

If the council implements uplift, this will be confirmed with the successful suppliers in advance.