**PME-PREMARKET ENGAGEMENT ONLY** Barrister Framework 2026

**PREMARKET ENGAGEMENT ONLY** Barrister Framework 2026 Pre-Market Engagement (PME) Information and Introduction BBC BDOT 03983 Barristers Framework 2026 Introduction Bedford Borough Council is preparing to launch the forthcoming Barristers Framework 2026. As part of the early planning stage, we are conducting a Pre-Market Engagement (PME) exercise to seek supplier feedback on the proposed approach, specifically the draft bid sheet and rate card that will form part of the procurement documentation. This PME will be live on the InTend Portal from Monday, 8th September 2025 and will close on Monday, 13th October 2025. Purpose of the PME The purpose of this PME is to engage with potential providers and gather constructive feedback on the proposed bid sheet, with a particular focus on: • Ensuring the rate card structure reflects actual service delivery and avoids inaccuracies in billing. • Identifying how the current half-day rate card (e.g., where counsel may only be in court for two hours) could be adapted to better reflect value for money. • Testing whether the bid sheet allows for accurate budgeting and billing, including instances where spot-purchase pricing may apply outside of the framework. • Gathering market views on how the spreadsheet could be improved for transparency, fairness, and efficiency in billing. o We would kindly ask if you could supply your own rate card outside of the framework on a separate spreadsheet or within the spreadsheet provided so that we can forecast any potential savings by using this Framework. For example, if the price is more by undertaking a spot-purchase agreement for certain services then this will allow evidence of cost savings during the lifetime of the Framework if said services were to be used. Your insights will directly shape the final tender documentation, ensuring the framework is robust, commercially sound, and aligned with market practice. How to Participate 1. The PME documents, including the draft bid sheet, are available via the InTend Portal. 2. Providers are invited to review the documents and provide written feedback through the portal. 3. Feedback should be returned no later than 13th October 2025, 17:00hrs. Next Steps Following the close of the PME, we will review all feedback and, where appropriate, incorporate changes into the final tender documentation for the Barristers Framework 2026. Providers who engage in this PME will not be given preferential treatment in the subsequent procurement exercise but will contribute to shaping a more effective and transparent framework. Contact All communication and responses must be submitted via the InTend Portal Direct correspondence with officers outside of the portal will not be responded to. Information regarding InTend signup and Portal You will be added to the PME exercise via InTend. If you have any issues or queries regarding login details or passwords please use the information below. Use our electronic tendering portal https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford to: • view a list of tenders/contracts/quotations • view information on contracts already awarded • express interest in a particular tender or quotation • receive tender and/or quotation documentation • secure return your tender or quotation documents • send and receive correspondence Registration is free, and takes a few minutes. You will be able to express interest in any open opportunities when they become available. We can also access your details whenever we have an opportunity, and invite you to tender or quote for work. All business will be tendered through https://in-tendhost.co.uk/bedford. If you do not register, it will limit your company’s ability to tender for work. Contact our support team on 0844 272 8810 or email [email protected] if you have problems using the portal. If you are already a contractor with us, you can use the portal to help with contract management. this includes an updated contract register, expiry dates and regular contract reviews.