Crown Commercial Service (CCS) has published a preliminary market engagement (PME) notice for a major upcoming framework: RM6400 Employee Benefits and Occupational Health Services. The scope is broad and includes the purchase and supply of employee benefits, occupational health, employee assistance programmes (EAP) and eyecare services.
While this is not a live tender yet, it is an important early signal for suppliers across the HR, wellbeing and occupational health markets. A PME notice gives potential bidders an opportunity to understand buyer intent, monitor how the commercial structure is developing, and start preparing evidence well before the formal tender is released.
Key facts at a glance
CCS intends to establish a framework with an estimated total value of £1.8bn excluding VAT. The framework is expected to run for 8 years with indicative dates of 26 May 2027 to 25 May 2035.
Other notable details include:
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Engagement deadline: 13 May 2026
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Estimated publication date of the tender notice: 5 August 2026
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Geographic coverage: UK, plus Crown Dependencies listed (Guernsey, Isle of Man, Jersey)
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Notice type: UK2 Preliminary market engagement notice under the Procurement Act 2023
CCS carried out individual supplier sessions in August and September 2025, and further engagement will follow the PME publication. For full details, view the Find a Tender notice.
Why this framework may matter to suppliers
For suppliers, frameworks of this type can be a high impact route to public sector demand across multiple organisations. With employee wellbeing still a priority for many public bodies, the breadth of RM6400 suggests CCS is looking for a comprehensive marketplace covering core occupational health provision through to benefit platforms and specialist services.
That breadth can also create challenges when bidding:
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Buyers may expect suppliers to demonstrate service integration across several sub categories.
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Evidence requirements can be substantial, especially where clinical governance, data security, safeguarding and service resilience are relevant.
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The evaluation approach often rewards clarity on delivery models, customer support, implementation, and measurable outcomes.
The earlier you start, the easier it is to avoid the common late stage scramble for policies, case studies, audited metrics, and partner agreements.
Practical steps to take now
Register for engagement and track updates
If you want to attend any future engagement sessions, CCS asks suppliers to register interest via the form linked in the notice, with future engagement information shared on the CCS agreement page. Even if you do not attend sessions, tracking updates now helps you anticipate likely lotting, scope boundaries and supplier requirements.
Build a clear service map and narrative
For multi line providers, one of the biggest risks is a bid that reads like separate offerings stitched together. Start mapping what you deliver end to end, including onboarding, account management, reporting, clinical escalation routes (where relevant), and how you manage subcontractors.
Strengthen evidence against likely evaluation themes
Framework bids typically test how you deliver, not just what you sell. Begin collating evidence around KPIs, customer satisfaction, implementation timescales, service continuity, security standards, and demonstrable outcomes. Where your offer includes clinical services, make sure governance and compliance evidence is easy to find and consistently described.
How Thornton & Lowe can support your RM6400 preparation
At PME stage, support is usually about getting you ready to respond quickly and well once the tender drops. Thornton & Lowe can help you:
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Bid readiness and positioning: clarify your win themes, differentiators and target lots once the structure becomes known.
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Evidence planning: identify what proof points are missing, then build an action plan to close gaps before the tender window opens.
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Resource planning: shape a realistic bid plan, including review cycles, governance, and responsibilities across subject matter experts.
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End to end bid management: when the tender is published, we can run the process with you through to submission via our bid and tender management support.
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Framework specific guidance: if your team is newer to framework competitions, our guidance on frameworks can help you understand how these routes work and what good preparation involves.
If RM6400 is a strong fit, the best time to start is now, while you can still influence your narrative, line up delivery partners, and avoid rushed compliance fixes later.
