News story

Apply for the 2026 Criminal Defence Direct Contract

The Legal Aid Agency (LAA) is inviting tenders for Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) Contracts to deliver 24/7 telephone-based legal advice.

• From: Legal Aid Agency
• Published: 16 July 2025

The 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 (5pm)
• TUPE data request deadline: 30 July 2025 (5pm)
• Tender submission deadline: 28 August 2025 (11:59pm)

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 which is available at 2026 Criminal Defence Direct (CDD) - GOV.UK

Published 16 July 2025