Lincolnshire County Council has published a procurement opportunity for community based day opportunities with an estimated value of an undisclosed value. The submission deadline is 11 May 2026, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-09, this contract is open to suitably qualified suppliers across the United Kingdom. All businesses interested in bidding should review the full tender documentation and confirm they meet all eligibility requirements before the closing date.

Contract overview

Lincolnshire County Council is pleased to inform providers that an Invitation to Tender (ITT) has now been issued for the delivery of Community Based Day Opportunities (formerly referred to as Building-Based Day Care Services). This procurement is being undertaken in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 using the Open Procedure and will establish a Light Touch Open Framework for Community Based Day Opportunities across Lincolnshire. All procurement documents, including the ITT instructions, specification, and response documentation, are available via the Council’s Tender Portal on Panacea. Providers wishing to bid must submit their tender submission electronically via the Tender Portal by the deadline stated above. Submissions received after the deadline will not be considered. Clarification questions must also be submitted through the Tender Portal and by the published clarification deadline.

Lincolnshire County Council is the contracting authority. The estimated value is an undisclosed value and the deadline is 11 May 2026. Download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to construction firms, contractors, specialist tradespeople. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing, and hold trade certifications, public liability insurance, ISO 9001.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, Lincolnshire County Council must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots.

• Proven track record in construction contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a an undisclosed value contract
• Relevant certifications: trade certifications, public liability insurance, ISO 9001
• Capacity to mobilise within Lincolnshire County Council’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the 11 May 2026 submission deadline

How to submit a bid

• Step 1 — Access the notice: Visit Find a Tender at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032304-2026
• Step 2 — Register free: Create or log in to your supplier account
• Step 3 — Download documents: Read the full ITT before preparing your response
• Step 4 — Raise clarifications: Submit questions early — Q&A typically closes 1–2 weeks before the deadline
• Step 5 — Submit before 11 May 2026: Late submissions are not accepted

What the buyer will evaluate

Lincolnshire County Council will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. Buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion.

Writing a winning bid

• Lead with an executive summary addressing Lincolnshire County Council’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes from comparable contracts
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before 11 May 2026

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires Lincolnshire County Council to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers.

Is registration on the portal free?

Yes. Registering as a supplier on Find a Tender is completely free.

What happens if I miss the 11 May 2026 deadline?

Late submissions are not accepted. The deadline is absolute. Submit at least 24 hours early.

Where are the full tender documents?

All documents are on the official Find a Tender listing at https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/032304-2026.

This article is for informational purposes only. Always verify all details on the official procurement portal before submitting a bid. Kael Tripton is not affiliated with or endorsed by Lincolnshire County Council or the UK government.