Bristol City Council has published its Supported Temporary Accommodation Framework (STAF), a new procurement opportunity valued at £32,077,117 including VAT. The framework is part of the council’s Tackling Homelessness Transformation Programme and is intended to increase the supply of supported temporary accommodation delivered by partner Registered Providers.
The notice makes clear that the aim is to reduce Bristol City Council’s use of non-supported privately owned emergency accommodation while continuing to meet pressing demand for interim accommodation across the city. For Registered Providers with the right accommodation model and support offer, this is a framework worth reviewing carefully. Thornton & Lowe can help you assess fit, review the lot structure and strengthen your bid approach. Contact our team for an informed review.
Why the STAF matters
This is not a general housing opportunity. It is a targeted framework for supported temporary accommodation in Bristol, with a clear focus on family accommodation, singles accommodation and support needs across different cohorts.
The framework is designed to create a longer-term route for Bristol City Council to work with Registered Providers that can offer suitable properties, appropriate support arrangements and a delivery model that aligns with the council’s homelessness strategy.
Framework structure
The notice is split into 3 lots, which gives providers a clearer way to assess strategic fit:
- Lot 1 - Family Low Support: Self-contained dispersed family accommodation within the city, with one to five sleeping rooms and no more than four units in one building where the entrance is shared.
- Lot 2 - Family Medium Support: Family accommodation with staff available at least 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, either on-site or nearby through a hub and spoke model.
- Lot 3 - Singles Low/Medium Support: A mix of shared accommodation for singles and self-contained units for couples across the city, with an approximate 80/20 split.
That lot structure matters because it means providers should focus on the accommodation type, support model and property profile that best match their actual portfolio and operating model.
What makes this framework especially interesting
There are a few points in the notice that make this framework stand out. First, this is an open framework, meaning awarded suppliers are carried over and new suppliers can bid in future rounds. Second, the framework allows for a long operating window, with estimated contract dates from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031 and a possible extension to 30 June 2034. The estimated open framework scheme end date is also 30 June 2034.
It is also notable that the framework allows for an unlimited number of suppliers and applies a 0% supplier fee. For providers considering whether the framework is commercially viable, those details are important.
What suppliers should prioritise
Before bidding, providers should test their fit against the requirements of the relevant lot and look closely at the practical delivery expectations behind the notice.
- Accommodation fit - make sure your stock profile genuinely matches the lot requirements, including unit type, building layout and location.
- Support model - be clear about the level of support you can provide, especially for Lot 2 and Lot 3.
- Registered Provider status and partnership readiness - the opportunity is clearly framed around delivery by partner Registered Providers.
- Bristol-specific delivery - the framework is for accommodation within Bristol, so local operational readiness matters.
- Quality evidence - because this procurement is scored on 100% quality, strong written responses and relevant evidence will matter more than price positioning.
Bid strategy: why quality matters here
One of the most important details in the notice is that the award criteria are 100% quality. That means bidders should not treat this like a price-led framework submission. The strength of your method statements, your understanding of the client group, your accommodation model, support arrangements and partnership approach are likely to be central.
The notice also confirms a two-stage process made up of Stage 1 - PSQ and Selection Criteria and Stage 2 - Quality Questions. Providers should plan accordingly and allow enough time to prepare credible evidence across both stages.
Quick facts
- Framework authority: Bristol City Council
- Framework: Supported Temporary Accommodation Framework (STAF)
- Reference: DN792893
- Total value: £32,077,117 including VAT
- Framework term: 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2031
- Possible extension: to 30 June 2034
- Open framework scheme end date: 30 June 2034
- Maximum number of suppliers: Unlimited
- Maximum supplier fee: 0%
- Contracting authorities able to use the framework: Establishing party only
Key dates
- Notice published: 2 April 2026
- Submission deadline: 30 April 2026 at 5:00pm
- Estimated award decision date: 8 June 2026
- Estimated next tender notice: 1 January 2027
Potential bidders should review the full notice and tender documents carefully before deciding whether to bid and which lot to target.
Need support with your STAF submission?
Thornton & Lowe can help you review lot fit, strengthen quality responses and improve your overall bid strategy for supported accommodation procurements. If you are considering a bid for STAF, speak to our team for practical support.
