HMP Rye Hill - Planned procurement notice

The Authority is seeking to establish a new contract for Prison Operator Services at HMP Rye Hill. The anticipated contract duration is 12 years from the operational services commencement date, with an option to extend by up to 3 years in 1-year increments, making the maximum term 15 years.

The procurement for HMP Rye Hill will be conducted under the Competitive Flexible Procedure (Light Touch Regime) under the Procurement Act 2023.

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. HMP Rye Hill is a male Category C Private Finance Initiative (PFI) located in Northamptonshire, England, with a current operational maximum capacity of 1,122.

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 – 15/06/2026

• Deadline for Submission of PSQ and COP Responses – Midday 26/06/2026

• Authority issue PSQ and COP Notification Letters – 10/07/2026

• Bidder Engagement and Dialogue - 13/07/2026 to 31/08/2026

• Publication of ISFT Documentation – 07/09/2026

• Deadline for Submission of Tender Responses – 25/09/2026

• Contract Award – 05/04/2027

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 Contract.

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.