BHTA members operating within the home adaptations sector may wish to review a newly published tender opportunity from Breckland District Council for the delivery of Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) adaptation works.

The council is re-procuring its framework for home adaptations across the Breckland district in Norfolk. The district covers approximately 500 square miles and includes the market towns of Dereham, Attleborough, Swaffham, Thetford, and Watton, alongside a large number of rural villages.

Overview of the opportunity

DFGs are available to those with disabilities to provide funding for home adaptations. Typical adaptations include replacing a bath with a level access shower, bathroom reconfigurations, door widening, ramps, and access into and out of the house. The primary goal of this grant is to facilitate changes that allow recipients to continue living independently in their own home.

The estimated total value of the framework is £2,411,391.60 including VAT.

The initial term is expected to run from 8 June 2026 to 7 June 2027, with the option to extend for a further two years on a 1+1 year basis, potentially to 7 June 2029.

A maximum of six suppliers will be appointed to the framework.

Framework operation

Call-off contracts will primarily be awarded on a rotational basis, with suppliers ranked according to their quality scores achieved during the tender evaluation. The council reserves the right to adjust the rotation mechanism to reflect factors such as performance, capacity, and project-specific requirements.

Suppliers will be required to operate under a Schedule of Prices issued by the council, which will be updated every six months. For works not included within the schedule, or for higher-value or bespoke works, mini-competitions will be undertaken among framework suppliers.

There is no guaranteed volume of work. Demand will vary depending on referrals, assessments, and grant approvals.

Evaluation criteria

This is a below-threshold open competition under the Procurement Act 2023.

Award will be based on 100 percent quality. Entry requirements include pass/fail elements covering specification compliance, response times, waste accreditation, DBS vetting, and health and safety competency.

Quality assessment criteria include:

• Capacity and resources
• Experience of sub-contractor management
• Methodology for delivering adaptation works
• Accreditations and certifications
• Communication strategy
• Risk assessment and mitigation
• Social value

Key dates

• Enquiry deadline: 5pm on 6 March 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 12pm on 13 March 2026

Tenders must be submitted electronically via Breckland District Council’s procurement portal.

BHTA members are advised to review the Invitation to Tender (ITT) and associated appendices in full before preparing their submission.

North Somerset Council is inviting qualified providers to deliver bathing adaptations works across Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire. The framework supports older and disabled residents to live safely and independently at home by providing essential adaptations, including level-access showers and associated works.

For BHTA members, this opportunity may be of particular interest to those involved in bathroom adaptations, accessible living solutions, and specialist installation services for people with disabilities. The framework aligns with local authority initiatives aimed at improving independent living and accessibility, both key areas of focus for BHTA member businesses.

Framework overview

The Bathing Adaptations Rotational Framework 2026 will commence on 1 April 2026 and run until 31 March 2030, with an estimated total value of £6.24 million (including VAT).

The framework covers the delivery of bathing adaptations under the Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) programme, enabling residents with mobility or accessibility needs to remain in their homes. Typical works will include the installation of level-access showers, removal and replacement of existing bathroom fixtures, and minor building or plumbing works associated with bathing adaptations.

The framework will operate rotationally, with up to eight providers appointed. Each provider will be offered work in turn and must commit to completing a minimum of 14 jobs per year. Work will be awarded without further competition, and prices will be set at the framework stage using a Schedule of Rates. Tenders will be ranked from lowest to highest total price submissions, with the eight lowest-priced compliant bids awarded framework positions.

Award and evaluation

This framework will be awarded on a price-only basis, with the average price forming the standard rate for all suppliers, subject to minor adjustments for individual job requirements. The framework will not involve mini-competitions, and call-offs will be made directly on a rotational basis.

Participation requirements

Interested suppliers must demonstrate technical and professional capability to deliver bathing adaptations, as well as financial and organisational stability appropriate for local authority contracting. Compliance with all relevant health, safety, and construction standards is required. The framework is open to participation by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Submission details

Suppliers must submit applications electronically via the Supplying the South West portal. Full tender documentation is available through the following link: Access tender documents via Supplying the South West

Submission deadline: 1pm, 9 January 2026
Estimated award date: 9 March 2026

Further information can also be accessed via the ProContract advert.

For any queries, contact: procurement.contracts@n-somerset.gov.uk