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GB-Maidstone: Preliminary Market Engagement via GCA Framework - Brief Project Portfolio Management Solution

Kent & Medway Town Fire Authority

Official source
Source: Contracts Finder
Published
18 Sept 2026, 10:30
Updated
18 Sept 2026, 10:30
Deadline
11 days remainingOfficial close: 1 Oct 2026, 00:00
Value
£50,000-£100,000
Location
South East
Reference / OCID
BIP1067613495
Category
Technology

Official tender information

Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is exploring options for a Project Portfolio Management (PPM) solution to support the planning, management, oversight and reporting of projects and programmes across the organisation. KFRS is open to different solution and delivery models, including established Software as a Service (SaaS) products and Microsoft/Power Platform-based solutions. Please note: For the purposes of this market engagement, KFRS is only seeking responses in respect of solutions which are currently available for procurement through an existing Government Commercial Agency (GCA) framework (formerly CCS). Suppliers should identify the relevant framework, Lot (where applicable) and service/solution listing within their response. The purpose of this exercise is to undertake a short and proportionate test of the market before KFRS determines its procurement strategy and route to market. In particular, KFRS wishes to understand: •what potentially suitable solutions are available within or around the stated affordability envelope; •the broad alignment of available products with KFRS's functional and technical requirements; •the different solution and service models available and the respective responsibilities of KFRS and the supplier; •indicative licensing/subscription, implementation, support and ongoing configuration/development costs; •the extent to which solutions allow KFRS to retain appropriate control and portability of its organisational data; •any observations from the market which may help KFRS refine its requirements; and •the specific GCA/CCS framework, Lot and/or service listing through which the proposed solution can be procured. Nature of this Exercise This is a preliminary market engagement exercise and not a competitive procurement or invitation to tender. The functional and technical requirements provided with this brief represent KFRS's current understanding of its needs. They are being provided to give suppliers sufficient information to determine whether they have a product or solution that could potentially meet the requirement. Suppliers are not required to provide a detailed response against each individual requirement or complete the requirements schedules on a line-by-line basis. Responses will not be evaluated or scored as tender submissions. Instead, KFRS is seeking a brief, high-level response that will enable us to understand whether a proposed solution appears sufficiently aligned with our needs to warrant further exploration. KFRS would also welcome constructive feedback on the requirements themselves. This may include identifying areas which would benefit from clarification, or alternative approaches or current market capabilities which KFRS should consider. Please respond via the Kent Business Portal.

The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement.

CPV: 48000000 Software package and information systems

TenderLens Summary

AI-assisted explanation

No AI provider is configured, so this explanation is built directly from official notice fields. It is not legal or procurement advice.

What they need

Kent & Medway Town Fire Authority is seeking "GB-Maidstone: Preliminary Market Engagement via GCA Framework - Brief Project Portfolio Management Solution". The published notice describes the requirement in the official description below. This explanation only restates fields present in that notice.

Who this may suit

Based only on stated fields, this may be relevant to organisations the buyer has marked as SME-suitable; suppliers working in technology; organisations able to deliver in South East. This is not an eligibility decision.

Key requirements

  • Procedure type stated: Restricted.
  • The notice states this opportunity is suitable for SMEs.
  • The notice references 1 supporting document or link.

Important dates

  • Published: 18 Sept 2026, 10:30.
  • Closing date: 1 Oct 2026, 00:00.
  • Contract start: 1 Nov 2026, 00:00.
  • Contract end: 31 Oct 2027, 00:00.

Contract value

£50,000-£100,000

Location

South East

What to do next

  1. Read the official notice.
  2. Confirm your organisation meets the stated requirements.
  3. Review the procurement documents.
  4. Note any clarification-question deadline if one is stated.
  5. Prepare the required submission material.

Things the notice does not make clear

  • No obvious summary fields are missing, but full requirements may still sit in attachments.

Risks to keep in mind

  • TenderLens has not read unpublished documents. Mandatory requirements may sit in attachments.
  • Do not treat this summary as legal, commercial or eligibility advice.

Bid preparation checklist

Items marked as a tender requirement come from the published notice. Suggested steps are preparation help, not mandatory requirements.

TenderLens is an independent CivicAI Labs service and is not affiliated with the UK Government. Always review the original procurement notice before making commercial decisions.