Crime news: verification deadline for 2022 crime contract

A deadline of 11.59pm on 27 March has been set for applicants holding offers to deliver 2022 crime contract services to submit verification information.

Applicants for this work have now been notified of the outcome of their bids via the e-tendering message board.

Verification requirements

The verification requirements are detailed in the notification letters. The requirements vary from one applicant to another. Applicants should refer to table 2 of annex B in their letter.

Applicants not submitting compliant verification information by the 27 March deadline may not be eligible to join the duty rotas which start on 1 October 2022.

All aspects of the verification process are set out in section 8 of the Information for Applicants (IFA) document. You can download the IFA on the 2022 crime contract tender page – see below. All verification information must be submitted through the eTendering message board.

Supervisory requirements

At least one supervisor declaration form needs to be provided by applicants for each class of work awarded. The required forms are on the 2022 Standard Crime Contract page. Earlier versions of the form will not be accepted.

All applicants must also provide a copy of their current Lexcel or Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) certificate. Indemnity forms are also available on GOV.UK.

All applicants should check their documentation before submitting it to ensure accuracy.

New office applications

Where applicants have applied for a new office, they must provide a completed AC1 form. This can be submitted through the eTendering message board.

The AC1 does not need to be submitted by 27 March. But we are unable to issue contract documentation until a legal aid account number has been added. This could result in applicants missing the October or January duty solicitor rotas.

Further information

Crime contract 2022 tender – IFA document is second in list and sets out verification process

Standard Crime Contract 2022 – to download supervisor declaration forms

Personal guarantee and indemnity – to download indemnity forms

Update your details with LAA – to download AC1 form for new offices