CDS News

In our last CDS Update we announced the extension of the Unified Crime Contract and the dates for the tender for the replacement 2010 Standard Crime Contract.

Following receipt of a number of queries on this we would like to clarify the timelines for the application process and how they relate to both those within Avon & Somerset and Greater Manchester (“the BVT Pilot areas”) and those in all other areas.

All current crime contracts will now expire on 13 July 2010.  In order for any provider to conduct new publicly funded criminal work from that date onwards, they must have applied for and been awarded a 2010 Standard Crime Contract through the application process which will commence in January 2010.

The application process will be staggered so that in effect there are two application periods; one for organisations who wish to apply for any work covered by the Best Value Tendering (BVT) pilot and the second for those whose who do not, as follows:

4 – 29 January 2010

All Applicant Organisations wishing to do any investigations and magistrates’ court work in the BVT pilot areas should submit their application during this period. 

This application will cover all CDS work that the provider wishes to undertake as an organisation, including any CDS work outside the BVT pilot areas.

11 January to 5 February 2010

All applicant organisations that wish to apply for investigations and magistrates’ court work outside BVT pilot areas, plus those who wish to only do Crown Court work, appeals and reviews work and/or Prison Law only work whether in the BVT pilot areas or elsewhere.

Applicant organisations will only be required to submit one application for their whole organisation and that tender will cover all offices run by an applicant organisation where applicable. 

With the exception of the BVT pilot areas, this is not a competitive tender and all applicants who meet the criteria will be awarded a contract. 

For more information please contact the CDS Policy Team on 020 7783 7000