NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board has published a procurement opportunity for dorset integrated urgent care service (diucs) with an estimated value of value not disclosed. The submission deadline is See official notice, giving eligible UK suppliers a limited window to prepare and submit bids through the official Find a Tender portal.

Published on 2026-04-08, 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

The services to be provided for under this contract are Physical Health Services The contract award has been made following the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Direct Award Process A. The approximate lifetime value of the contract is £402,000,000 (including the extension option). The contract term runs from 01 April 2026 until 31 March 2028 with a 12 month extension option).

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board is the contracting authority for this procurement. The estimated contract value is value not disclosed and the submission deadline is See official notice. Suppliers should download the full specification from the official portal before preparing a bid.

Is your business eligible?

This contract is most relevant to healthcare providers, social care organisations, NHS suppliers. Suppliers typically need to demonstrate experience delivering similar contracts, appropriate financial standing for a contract of value not disclosed, and hold CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications.

Under the Procurement Act 2023, NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board must actively consider SME participation. Check whether this contract has been structured into lots accessible to smaller businesses.

• Proven track record in health and social care services contracts of comparable scope
• Financial standing appropriate for a value not disclosed contract
• Relevant certifications: CQC registration, DBS checks, clinical qualifications
• Capacity to mobilise within NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board’s required timeframe
• Ability to meet the See official notice 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/031780-2026
• 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 See official notice: Late submissions are not accepted under UK procurement rules

What the buyer will evaluate

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board will assess all compliant bids against published criteria. For health and social care services contracts, buyers typically apply a 60% quality and 40% price weighting. Under the Procurement Act 2023, social value is a mandatory evaluation criterion — demonstrate specific, costed commitments to local employment, skills, or environmental sustainability.

Writing a winning bid

The most common reason bids fail is generic content that does not address the buyer’s specific requirements. NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board has stated precise objectives — your bid must demonstrate you have read and understood them.

• Lead with an executive summary addressing NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board’s objectives directly
• Provide two or more case studies with measurable outcomes
• Include specific, costed social value commitments
• Price to win but ensure your margin covers full delivery
• Submit at least 24 hours before See official notice

Key dates and next steps

The submission deadline is See official notice. Competitive bids for health and social care services contracts require two to three weeks of preparation. Following submission, NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board will typically complete evaluation within four to eight weeks.

• Download all documents from Find a Tender today
• Confirm your organisation meets all eligibility requirements
• Assign a bid lead and set internal milestones now
• Submit clarification questions as early as possible

Frequently asked questions

Can SMEs bid for this contract?

Yes. The Procurement Act 2023 requires NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board to consider SME suitability and remove unnecessary barriers. Check for lots designed to be accessible to smaller businesses.

Is registration on the portal free?

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

What happens if I miss the deadline?

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

How long does evaluation take?

NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board will notify all bidders once evaluation is complete. Allow four to eight weeks from the submission deadline.

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/031780-2026. Always use the official source.

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 NHS Dorset Integrated Care Board or the UK government.