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Prison Operator Services Framework 2 - August 2025 Market Engagement Events

Ministry of Justice · Central government

In brief

Ministry of Justice has announced plans to buy this contract. This is an early notice: there is nothing to bid on yet, but it tells you a tender may follow.

It is a framework worth up to £9,200,000,000 excluding VAT: the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers, not one contract.

The contract runs for 8 years, starting 8 March 2027.

Built from the notice's own fields. Always check the official notice before you bid.

Can I win this?

Key dates

Questions by
5pm, Tuesday 3 March 2026
Express interest by
midday, Friday 13 March 2026

This is the first stage. You register interest now, and shortlisted suppliers are invited to bid later.

Competition

Typical: a median of 4 bids per contract for this buyer (from 33 awards in the last 12 months).

Framework

Winning puts you on a list of suppliers the buyer can call on; it does not guarantee work. The £9,200,000,000 is the most the buyer expects to spend across all suppliers over the framework's life, not one contract.

What the notice says

The Authority is seeking to establish a multi-supplier Open Framework for Prison Operator Services (POSF2). Please note that the length of the Open Framework is yet to be determined as the Authority is still progressing through governance, however, it is anticipated it will be for a minimum of 8-years and will reopen at least twice throughout its maximum term. The Authority has tendered the operation of prisons to the private sector since the early 1990s and has long advocated a mixed approach to prison operation that includes public, voluntary and private sector involvement. The first generation of the Prison Operator Services Framework (POSF1) was established in July 2019 and expired in…Read the full description
The Authority is seeking to establish a multi-supplier Open Framework for Prison Operator Services (POSF2). Please note that the length of the Open Framework is yet to be determined as the Authority is still progressing through governance, however, it is anticipated it will be for a minimum of 8-years and will reopen at least twice throughout its maximum term. The Authority has tendered the operation of prisons to the private sector since the early 1990s and has long advocated a mixed approach to prison operation that includes public, voluntary and private sector involvement. The first generation of the Prison Operator Services Framework (POSF1) was established in July 2019 and expired in July 2025. An indicative timetable for the procurement is outlined below. Please note these dates may be subject to change: • Publication of Tender Notice and Procurement Documentation – 23/02/2026 • Deadline for Submission of PSQ and COP Responses – 13/03/2026 • Authority issue PSQ and COP Notification Letters – 02/04/2026 • Bidder Engagement and Dialogue – 20/04/2026 to 19/06/2026 • Publication of ISFT Documentation – 29/06/2026 • Deadline for Submission of Tender Responses – 24/07/2026 • Framework Award – 08/03/2027 This notice is for information only and the Authority reserves the right to not proceed to tender. Additionally, the Authority reserves the right to discontinue the tender process at any stage and not to award the Framework. The information contained in this notice, including information relating to the nature and scope of the requirements, the estimated value, the service classification of this requirement or the list of CPV codes, is only indicative of current thinking and is neither exhaustive nor binding, and the Authority reserves the right at its absolute discretion to amend it at the time of issue or any further notices or at any other time. The publication of this notice in no way obliges the Authority to commence any competitive tender process. Any contracts are subject to the relevant legal and Cabinet Office controls and policies.

How to bid

  1. Read the full notice on Find a Tender, including any tender documents it links to.
  2. Register your organisation on the Central Digital Platform (through Find a Tender) if you have not already. Suppliers need to be registered to take part in procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
  3. Follow the submission instructions in the notice; it does not name an e-tendering portal.
  4. Send clarification questions before 5pm, Tuesday 3 March 2026.
  5. Register your interest before midday, Friday 13 March 2026. Shortlisted suppliers are then invited to bid.

Timeline

  1. Planned procurement notice · UK3, notice 080623-2025

About the buyer

Ministry of JusticeLast 12 months

Procurements

314

Awards

226

Suppliers it has used most

From notice 080623-2025 on Find a Tender, first published 8 December 2025. We last checked for changes on 28 September 2026.