Helsinki City Awards €2M Speech Therapy and Psychology Framework to Multiple Winners

The City of Helsinki's Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division (SOTEPE) has awarded a framework agreement for children and young people's speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychological services. The framework has a maximum value of €2 million and is divided into 10 sub-areas covering Finnish and Swedish language services. Multiple service providers were selected, including Pihlajalinna Lääkärikeskukset Oy, Mehiläinen Oy, Suomen Terveystalo Oy, and numerous specialist practitioners.

Introduction

The City of Helsinki's Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division (Sosiaali-, terveys- ja pelastustoimiala – SOTEPE) has conducted an open procedure for the procurement of speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychological services for children and young people. The procurement is divided into 10 sub-areas covering Finnish and Swedish language services in speech therapy assessments and rehabilitation, psychology services, and neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation.

The framework has a maximum value of €2 million and runs for an initial two-year period (1 November 2026 – 31 October 2028), with two optional 12-month extensions. The contracting authority does not commit to specific procurement volumes but purchases services based on client needs.

Multiple service providers were selected across the 10 lots, including major healthcare companies (Pihlajalinna, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo) and numerous specialist practitioners. The evaluation was 100% price-based, with quality ensured through high minimum requirements set in the tender documents.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures that children and young people in Helsinki have access to essential speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychological services in both Finnish and Swedish.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports children's health: Provides essential therapeutic services
• Significant value: €2,000,000 framework
• Long-term commitment: Up to 4 years (2 years + 2 x 12-month extensions)
• Comprehensive scope: 10 sub-areas covering Finnish and Swedish services
• Multi-provider: Numerous service providers selected
• Flexible allocation: Priority order system with exceptions for client needs
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation

Contract Timeline

• Previous notice: 1efea20b-03c2-425b-b751-5db3f28e5928-01
• Winner chosen: 25 May 2026
• Contracts concluded: 16 June – 18 August 2026
• Contract start date: 1 November 2026
• Contract end date: 31 October 2028
• Initial duration: 2 years
• Maximum renewals: 2 (12 months each)
• Maximum total duration: 48 months
• Notice published: 28 August 2026 (OJ S 166/2026)

Contract Overview

The City of Helsinki conducted an open procedure under the light regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Finnish Procurement Act.

Key features include:

• 10 sub-areas: Speech therapy assessment (Finnish/Swedish), Speech therapy rehabilitation (Finnish/Swedish), Psychology services (Finnish/Swedish), Neuropsychological assessment (Finnish/Swedish), Neuropsychological rehabilitation (Finnish/Swedish)
• Total maximum value: €2,000,000
• Duration: 2 years initial + 2 x 12-month extensions (max 4 years)
• Framework type: Without reopening of competition
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• Winners: Multiple providers including Pihlajalinna, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, and numerous specialist practitioners
• Subcontracting: Varies by provider
• No EU funding

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Helsingin kaupungin sosiaali-, terveys- ja pelastustoimiala (SOTEPE)
Contract title	Lasten ja nuorten puheterapia, psykologipalvelut ja neuropsykologipalvelut
Main CPV	85000000 Health and social work services
Additional CPV	85121270 Psychiatrist or psychologist services
Procedure type	Open procedure (light regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU; Finnish Procurement Act
Total maximum value (EUR)	€2,000,000.00
Number of lots	10
Initial duration	2 years (1 November 2026 – 31 October 2028)
Maximum renewals	2 (12 months each)
Maximum total duration	48 months
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Price (100%)
Location	Helsinki-Uusimaa, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1)
Subcontracting	Varies by provider

Service Areas (Lots)

Lot	Title	Language	Service Type	Max Value (€)	Winners	Tenders
1	Speech therapy assessment	Finnish	Assessment	200,000	Pragma Terapia, Puheterapia OraCom, Äänneloikka, Terveystalo, HLS-Fondo, Puheklinikka NET, Ab Puhepoint, Bellafonia, ProNeuron, Puhetuuli, Mehiläinen, Coronaria Contextia, Aarresanat, Sofita	16
2	Speech therapy assessment	Swedish	Assessment	200,000	Äänneloikka, HLS-Fondo, ProNeuron, Mehiläinen, Coronaria Contextia, Folkhälsan Välfärd	7
3	Psychology services	Finnish	Psychology	200,000	Pihlajalinna, KKT-keskus, Sofita, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, Silmuke, Saraste terveys, Tmi Jenni Heikkilä, Neuropsykologi Kaisa Kanerva, Coronaria Contextia, NepsyFocus, ProNeuron	13
4	Psychology services	Swedish	Psychology	200,000	Pihlajalinna, Sofita, Mehiläinen, NepsyFocus, Folkhälsan Välfärd	7
5	Neuropsychological assessment	Finnish	Assessment	200,000	Pihlajalinna, Silmuke, Sofita, Terveystalo, Saraste terveys, NepsyFocus, Mehiläinen, Coronaria Contextia, ProNeuron, Neuropsykologi Kaisa Kanerva, Tmi Tuire Kangas, Tmi Jenni Heikkilä, Neuropsykologinen tutkimus ja kuntoutus Minna Poutanen, Neuropsykologi Elina Hankomäki	15
6	Neuropsychological assessment	Swedish	Assessment	200,000	Pihlajalinna, NepsyFocus, Sofita, Folkhälsan Välfärd	5
7	Speech therapy rehabilitation	Finnish	Rehabilitation	200,000	Puheterapia OraCom, Terveystalo, Äänneloikka, Aarresanat, Mehiläinen, HLS-Fondo, Pragma Terapia, ProNeuron, Coronaria Contextia, Puheklinikka NET, Folkhälsan Välfärd, Puhetuuli, Ab Puhepoint, Bellafonia, Speech Training Finland, Sofita	17
8	Speech therapy rehabilitation	Swedish	Rehabilitation	200,000	Äänneloikka, HLS-Fondo, ProNeuron, Mehiläinen, Coronaria Contextia, Folkhälsan Välfärd, Bellafonia	8
9	Neuropsychological rehabilitation	Finnish	Rehabilitation	200,000	Pihlajalinna, Mayet, Neuropsykologi Kaisa Kanerva, Saraste terveys, NepsyFocus, Sofita, Silmuke, ProNeuron, Mehiläinen, Tmi Tuire Kangas, Neuropsykologinen tutkimus ja kuntoutus Minna Poutanen, Coronaria Contextia, Terveystalo, Neuropsykologi Elina Hankomäki, Tmi Jenni Heikkilä	16
10	Neuropsychological rehabilitation	Swedish	Rehabilitation	200,000	Pihlajalinna, NepsyFocus, Sofita	4

Framework Allocation – Priority Order System

The framework uses a priority order system for allocating assignments:

• Priority order: Service providers are placed in priority order based on the most economically advantageous tender
• Default allocation: Orders are made from the first priority provider
• Next provider: If the first provider cannot offer an appointment within a reasonable time, the next provider is approached
• Exceptions: The priority order can be bypassed due to client-specific needs (choosing the provider that best meets the client's needs) or in emergency situations (choosing the provider that can offer the fastest appointment)

About the Contracting Authority

Helsingin kaupungin sosiaali-, terveys- ja pelastustoimiala (SOTEPE) is the City of Helsinki's Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division. The division is responsible for providing social welfare, healthcare, and rescue services to Helsinki residents, including services for children and young people.

About the Major Winners

Pihlajalinna Lääkärikeskukset Oy

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Tampere, Finland
• Lots won: 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10
• Specialisation: Healthcare services
• Subcontracting: No

Mehiläinen Oy

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
• Lots won: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
• Specialisation: Healthcare services
• Subcontracting: Yes (varies by lot)

Suomen Terveystalo Oy

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
• Lots won: 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
• Specialisation: Healthcare services
• Subcontracting: Yes (varies by lot)

Äänneloikka Oy

• Size: SME
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
• Lots won: 1, 2, 7, 8
• Specialisation: Speech therapy
• Subcontracting: Yes

Etac A/S (Coronaria Contextia Oy)

• Size: SME
• Headquarters: Oulu, Finland
• Lots won: 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9
• Specialisation: Healthcare and therapy services
• Subcontracting: Yes

Winners Summary

Supplier	Lots Won	Type
Pihlajalinna Lääkärikeskukset Oy	3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10	Large
Mehiläinen Oy	1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9	Large
Suomen Terveystalo Oy	1, 3, 5, 7, 9	Large
Äänneloikka Oy	1, 2, 7, 8	SME
Coronaria Contextia Oy	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9	SME
Sofita Oy	1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10	SME
HLS-Fondo Oy	1, 2, 7, 8	SME
NepsyFocus Oy	3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10	SME
ProNeuron Oy	1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9	SME
Folkhälsan Välfärd Ab	2, 4, 6, 7, 8	Large
Pragma Terapia Oy	1, 7	SME
Puheterapia OraCom Oy	1, 7	SME
Saraste terveys Oy	3, 5, 9	SME
Silmuke Oy	3, 5, 9	SME
Neuropsykologi Kaisa Kanerva	3, 5, 9	SME
And many other specialist practitioners	Various	SME

Evaluation Criteria

The contract was awarded based on a single criterion:

• Price (100%): The most economically advantageous tender, with quality ensured through high minimum requirements set in the tender documents

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the light regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Finnish Procurement Act.
• Competition: Strong competition across all lots (4-17 tenders per lot).
• SME participation: Significant SME participation across all lots, with numerous specialist practitioners.
• Subcontracting: Varies by provider – some use subcontracting, others do not.
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds.
• No framework agreement with reopening: The framework is without reopening of competition.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Light regime: The procurement is subject to the light regime.
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus (Market Court of Finland).

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The framework has a total maximum value of €2,000,000.
• The framework is divided into 10 sub-areas.
• The evaluation is 100% price-based.
• Quality is ensured through high minimum requirements in the tender documents.
• All lots have a maximum value of €200,000 each.
• Lot 7 (Speech therapy rehabilitation Finnish) had the most tenders (17).
• Lot 10 (Neuropsychological rehabilitation Swedish) had the fewest tenders (4).
• The priority order system ensures efficient allocation of assignments.
• Exceptions allow for client-specific needs and emergency situations.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Finnish healthcare services market is competitive, with both large healthcare companies and numerous specialist practitioners. The City of Helsinki, as Finland's largest city, procures significant volumes of health services for its residents.

Key trends in this market include:

• Children's health focus: Strong investment in child and youth health services
• Bilingual services: Finnish and Swedish language services
• Price competition: 100% price-based evaluation
• SME participation: Numerous specialist practitioners
• Long-term frameworks: Up to 4 years with extension options

Economic Significance

At €2 million, this framework represents a significant investment in children's health services in Helsinki. The contract will:

• Support children's health: Provide essential therapeutic services
• Enable bilingual services: Finnish and Swedish language options
• Support SMEs: Numerous specialist practitioners selected
• Provide long-term stability: Up to 4-year framework
• Ensure quality: High minimum requirements

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this framework now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 4-year maximum duration
• Related services: Additional health and social services
• Other Finnish cities: Similar health service procurements
• Specialist services: New therapeutic approaches

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for healthcare providers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related services: Other health and social services in Helsinki
• Other Finnish cities: Similar procurement opportunities
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with the winners

What Businesses Should Watch

• Helsinki City's future procurement notices
• Other Finnish municipal health service tenders
• Children's health service developments
• Changes to Finnish procurement regulations

FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence

This health services framework is a notable example of Finnish municipal health procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €2 million across 10 lots
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• Bilingual: Finnish and Swedish language services
• Multi-provider: Numerous providers selected
• Priority order: Structured allocation system
• SME participation: Strong presence of specialist practitioners

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: 100% price-based evaluation
• Quality compliance: Meeting high minimum requirements
• Language capability: Finnish and Swedish language services
• Specialist expertise: Speech therapy, psychology, neuropsychology
• Capacity: Ability to serve clients in a priority order system

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – 100% of evaluation is price-based
• Meet high quality minimum requirements
• Develop bilingual service capability (Finnish and Swedish)
• Build specialist expertise in speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychology
• Ensure capacity to serve clients under priority order system
• Monitor Helsinki City and other Finnish municipal health procurements

Key Takeaways

• Helsinki City awarded a €2M health services framework
• 10 lots covering speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychological services
• Multiple winners including Pihlajalinna, Mehiläinen, Terveystalo, and numerous specialist practitioners
• Duration: 2 years + 2 x 12-month extensions (max 4 years)
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• 4-17 tenders per lot
• Priority order system for assignment allocation
• Bilingual services (Finnish and Swedish)

Conclusion

This speech therapy, psychology, and neuropsychological services framework ensures that children and young people in Helsinki have access to essential therapeutic services in both Finnish and Swedish. By selecting multiple providers across 10 sub-areas, the City of Helsinki ensures service availability, choice, and competitive pricing.

The 100% price-based evaluation reflects the importance of cost-effectiveness in municipal health procurement, while the high minimum quality requirements ensure that service quality is maintained. The priority order system provides an efficient allocation mechanism while allowing flexibility for client-specific needs and emergency situations.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, quality compliance, and bilingual service capability in winning Finnish municipal health service contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is SOTEPE?

Ans: The City of Helsinki's Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division (sosiaali-, terveys- ja pelastustoimiala).

Q: What is the value of the framework?

Ans: €2,000,000 across all lots.

Q: Who are the major winners?

Ans: Pihlajalinna Lääkärikeskukset Oy, Mehiläinen Oy, Suomen Terveystalo Oy, Äänneloikka Oy, Coronaria Contextia Oy, Sofita Oy, and numerous specialist practitioners.

Q: What services are covered?

Ans: Speech therapy assessments and rehabilitation, psychology services, and neuropsychological assessments and rehabilitation for children and young people.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (100%), with quality ensured through high minimum requirements.

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 2 years initial, with 2 x 12-month extension options (maximum 4 years).

Q: How many lots are there?

Ans: 10 sub-areas.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: Markkinaoikeus (Market Court of Finland).

Q: What languages are supported?

Ans: Finnish and Swedish.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 594738-2026, OJ S 166/2026, published 28 August 2026.