Opportunities
Find out about our current procurement and funding opportunities.
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Request for Information - Cochlear Implant Services
We have released a Request for Information (RFI) for suppliers of cochlear implant services. This RFI is issued by Disability Support Services (DSS), Ministry of Social Development.
About this opportunity
DSS is seeking information from qualified providers of cochlear implant (CI) services in New Zealand.
The services include, assessment, prioritisation, surgery, device hardware, habilitation/rehabilitation and associated follow-up services across the recipient's lifetime.
Responses to the RFI will be used to assess current service models, market capacity/capabilities and innovations to inform potential future procurement approaches and support strategic planning for cochlear implant services.
This RFI is issued solely for information-gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute a commitment to procure any services.
Cochlear implants are critical for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who derive limited benefit from hearing aids. The New Zealand Government funds cochlear implant services to improve communication abilities and quality of life. As demand increases and technology evolves, DSS is reviewing service delivery and funding models to ensure equitable, timely and sustainable access across the country. DSS is exploring how service delivery can be enhanced to ensure high-quality outcomes and optimal use of public funds.
Through this RFI we are looking to:
- Undertake market research and horizon scanning to understand what other delivery models exist.
- Understand emerging market trends, what other suppliers are in the market, their size and experience and explore general interest in this space.
- Understand how we might be able to expand CI access through improved outreach and awareness with a focus on increasing uptake by different population groups.
- Explore innovative funding approaches.
Contact
If you have further questions, or require support to submit an application, please contact dss_commissioning@msd.govt.nz
Important dates
- 21 July 2025 - 3 PM: Deadline for Questions from respondents
- 01 August 2025 - 12 PM: Deadline for responses
RFI Documents
Request for Application to join panel of providers for residential services
Disability Support Services (DSS) has opened a Request for Application (RFA) for providers to apply to join an agreement to provide residential services.
About this opportunity
This RFA is for suitably qualified providers to join an open Panel of Providers (Panel) to deliver DSS funded Community Residential Support Services for people with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) and Physical Disabilities (PD).
The purpose of this procurement is to engage a range of suitably qualified residential services Providers via a Residential Services Panel (the Panel).
The Panel will consist of suitably qualified Providers on the basis that all panel members have been approved by DSS through the procurement process as capable of delivering Community Residential Support Services and have agreed to the Contract.
This is an opportunity to join a long-term agreement to deliver Community Residential Support Services that will contribute to:
- improving the experience of disabled people receiving residential support: driving service quality improvement by strengthening quality and safeguarding mechanisms.
- improving access to and appropriateness of services: ensuring disabled people can obtain the right services at the right time, irrespective of income, geography and cultural background.
- stabilising the price of residential support: creating a residential support service that is fair, consistent, transparent, and sustainable.
All current DSS providers of community residential support must apply to join the panel so they can continue to provide community residential support services. DSS encourages both current and potential providers to submit applications for consideration.
You can find the RFA documentation below, including the step-by-step process and conditions that apply to this procurement. We encourage you to take time to read and understand the RFA and supporting documents and develop a strong understanding of our requirements.
DSS has tried to make this process as easy as possible.
This RFA is a single stage open market procurement process. An independent probity advisor will be on hand to ensure robust processes.
Contact
If you have further questions, or require support to submit an application, please contact dss_commissioning@msd.govt.nz
Important dates
- 16 June 2025: Request for Application released, and applications open
- 03 July 2025: Industry Briefing for providers to find out more – see recording below.
- 15 July 2025: Deadline for questions
- 30 July 2025: Deadline for Applications. Please note, applications are welcome before this date and will be considered as they arrive.
- 1 December 2025: Contracts will be confirmed to start, note this date aligns with the implementation of the Community Group Home Pricing Model.
RFA Documents
More information
This RFA follows our work in response to Recommendation 2 of the 2024 Independent Review, which called for an urgent review of pricing and contracting for residential care.
More information on this RFA opportunity, and our work to introduce a new pricing model for community residential providers is available here.
DSS Community Residential Support Services – Request for Application Process Industry Briefing (3 July 2025)
Video transcript
Transcript coming soon.
Closed RFPs
Disability Abuse Prevention and Response (DAPAR)
We were seeking to engage suitably qualified supplier/suppliers to deliver the Disability Abuse Prevention and Response Service (DAPAR).
Find out more about this opportunity.