2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contract

Tender description

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is inviting tenders for two new CDD Contracts to deliver 24/7 telephone-based legal advice from 4 May 2026. These services support individuals detained at police stations in England and Wales for non-indictable offences. Key Dates • Tender opens: 16 July 2025 • Deadline for questions: 30 July 2025 (17:00) • TUPE data request deadline: 30 July 2025 (17:00) • Tender submission deadline: 28 August 2025 (17:00) Who Can Apply The tender is open to any organisation that meets the LAA’s Conditions of Participation. How to Apply Applicants must submit a complete tender via two platforms: 1) Central Digital Platform (CDP) for supplier registration and core information, 2) LAA eTendering System for the CDD Tender Response. A share code linking the CDP response must be included in the Qualification envelope of the CDD Tender Response. For full details of the procurement process please read the Application Guide.