Tendring District Council (TDC), Castle Point Borough Council (CPBC) and Braintree District Council (BDC), (the Authorities), are seeking to engage with the market and obtain expressions of interest ahead of a procurement for Temporary Accommodation of various types (at PME stage we are considering Supported and Unsupported Accommodation, including Block Bookings, PSL and Hotels/B&B, but the final scope will be set out in more detail in the Tender notice). One of the routes the Authorities are exploring is a 1- stage Open Tender Process with a view to establish a flexible framework under the Light Touch Regime - Section 9 of the Act, (for clarity, not an Open Framework as defined under the Procurement Act 2023). We anticipate the framework would be reopen periodically to allow new providers to apply for admission to ensure the framework continues to support the Authorities in meeting their statutory duties-specifically, to maintain sufficient capacity in terms of available placements and provider coverage. Initially, the framework is likely to consist of 3 Lots (one per Authority above), but EPP reserves the right to create additional geographical Lots or categories during framework reopening/refresh periods. This PME exercise is intended to: • Engage with the market to gather insights and feedback on the proposed approach, and option development to support future decision-making. • Understand supplier capabilities, innovations, and potential delivery models. • Inform the development of a specification and procurement strategy that reflects market conditions and best practice. This exercise does not commit the Authorities to any future model, contract value, contract duration or procurement route.

Procurement Act 2023

Light touch

To access this opportunity go to Open e-tendering portal : https://www.open-uk.org/opportunities Search for Project # OPEN-PR-15102026114150169 It is free to register for this opportunity. Interested bidders must read the documentation in Open and submit their response via this portal, as well as complete a Microsoft Forms questionnaire in the link provided in the PME document by 5pm FRIDAY 6/11/26. The PME document can be found within the Open Opportunity (EPP0383/394/348 Preliminary Market Engagement (PME). All clarifications related to this PME must be submitted via Open using the Correspondence function on the project page.