Hampshire County Council Awards Contract for Fostering Agencies

Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for independent fostering agencies to ORANGE GROVE FOSTERCARE LTD. This award is part of a multi-lot call-off to support looked-after children within the county, with placements expected to begin on April 1, 2026.

Hampshire County Council Awards Fostering Agency Contract

Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for independent fostering agencies to support looked-after children. The contract, published on March 22, 2026, is a multi-lot call-off open to new and existing suppliers throughout its life.

Hampshire County Council Independent Fostering Agencies Call Off Notice

Hampshire County Council has published a contract award notice for Independent Fostering Agencies (call off) services. This notice details the award to LIBERTY FOSTER CARE LIMITED for standard foster placements, with an estimated contract value of £0 excluding VAT. The contract is set to run from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2030, with a possible extension.

Hampshire County Council Awards Contract for Fostering Agencies

Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for independent fostering agencies to support looked-after children. The contract, published on March 22, 2026, aims to secure local placements and includes provisions for various placement types and ongoing supplier applications.

Hampshire County Council Awards Contract for Independent Fostering Agencies

Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for Independent Fostering Agencies to Foster Care Associates Limited. This contract is part of a multi-lot call-off to support looked-after children within the county, with potential extensions up to eight years.

Hampshire County Council Awards Contract for Fostering Agencies

Hampshire County Council has awarded a contract for independent fostering agencies to support looked-after children. The contract, which includes multiple lots for different placement needs, was published on March 22, 2026, with an award decision date of February 24, 2026.

USPTO Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program Details

The USPTO is launching the Streamlined Claim Set Pilot Program, effective October 27, 2025, to evaluate the impact of limited claims on examination quality and pendency. Eligible utility patent applications can be advanced for examination by filing a petition and agreeing to specific claim requirements.

USPTO AI Search Automated Pilot Program (ASAP!)

The USPTO is launching the Artificial Intelligence Search Automated Pilot Program (ASAP!) to evaluate automated pre-examination searches for patent applications. The program will provide applicants with an Automated Search Results Notice (ASRN) and has received 169 petitions, with 76 granted so far.

USPTO QPIDS Program Eliminates RCE Processing for IDS

The USPTO has permanently implemented the Quick Path Information Disclosure Statement (QPIDS) program, which eliminates the requirement for processing a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) with an Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) filed after the issue fee payment. This change aims to streamline patent prosecution and reduce pendency.

USPTO Increases Prioritized Patent Examination Requests Limit

Effective July 8, 2025, the USPTO has increased the annual limit for prioritized patent examination requests from 15,000 to 20,000. This change aims to expedite the patent process for a larger number of applicants seeking faster review of their utility and plant patent applications.