Tender opportunity: Sunderland City Council seeks accessibility equipment suppliers to deliver stairlifts, hoists, and changing beds

BHTA members involved in accessibility equipment, moving and handling solutions, and home adaptation products are encouraged to review a new tender opportunity from Sunderland City Council for stairlifts, hoists, and changing beds.

Tender overview

Sunderland City Council is seeking suppliers for the provision of stairlifts, hoists, and changing beds under lot 27 of a new four-year framework. The framework may also be used by Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority, although the contracting authority notes that no minimum volume of work is guaranteed.

The contract location is Sunderland. The framework is scheduled to run from 12 September 2026 to 11 September 2030.

This article refers only to lot 27, which is the section relevant BHTA members.

Key details

• Reference: 2026/S 000-015508
• Value of lot 27: £116,000 excluding VAT
• Duration: 4 years

Contract details

This is an open procedure tender notice published under the Procurement Act 2023. The wider arrangement is a framework, and call-offs may be awarded either directly by supplier ranking or through mini competition.

The relevant opportunity for BHTA members is lot 27, covering stairlifts, hoists, and changing beds for works below £50,000. The published notice places an estimated value of £116,000 excluding VAT on this lot, rather than on the overall framework.

The opportunity is likely to be most suitable for SMEs able to supply and support stairlifts, hoists, and changing beds within Sunderland, and meet the requirements of a public sector framework.

Evaluation

The published notice states that lot 27 will be assessed on the following basis:

• Price: 70 percent
• Quality: 25 percent
• Social value: 5 percent

The council states that, when using the framework, orders may be placed directly with the highest-ranked contractor or awarded through a mini competition involving all appointed contractors on the lot.

How to apply

Suppliers can apply for this tender electronically via the Open system.

Tenders must be submitted by 12pm on 26 March 2026. Questions should be submitted by 12pm on 19 March 2026.

Access the full tender documentation, including specifications and terms, through the tender portal.

Enquiries: procurement@sunderland.gov.uk