QU343 - Seldom Heard Conversations about Pregnancy - AWARD

Birmingham Public Health Division is looking to commission a series of targeted focus group conversations about pregnancy, that includes 'one key question approach' that has been developed in the United States with communities that are rarely heard. These group conversations may need to take place over an internet platform such as Zoom or use other technological solutions such as WhatsApp.

The findings from these conversations will help influence the development of the Infant Mortality Strategy that is aiming to reduce infant deaths in Birmingham.

This service will engage with the following stakeholders such as:

1. Children Centres'
2. Voluntary sector organisations that are focused on supporting families
3. Voluntary sector organisations that focus on supporting particular ethnic groups
4. Birmingham First Steps

We are looking to commission qualitative research with15 focus groups:

• oProviders will be required to recruit participants and
• oProviders will ensure that the setting for the focus group is a safe and psychologically informed environment which considers the needs of the focus group participants.
• oProviders will have established links with 'target communities (as listed below) to enable engagement,
• oConsideration of how focus groups can be undertaken virtually needs to be specified.
• oEach focus group should have a minimum of 10 participants, where possible.

The contract will run from 16th November 2020 to 30th June 2021 and the provider will be required to provide a written report in word format no later than the 30th June 2021 which summarises the key findings and themes from the discussions. This includes quotes from focus group participants which highlight and relate to the key findings from the discussions.

The provider will be expected to cover the following key areas of discussion:

1. Birth Control Beliefs & Choices
2. Attitude to the 'One Key Question' - Would you be happy to become pregnant within the next year?
3. Pregnancy Beliefs & Choices
4. Access to pregnancy related advice
5. Understanding and Practice about Pre-pregnancy behaviours and choices

The Council will be using its free to use e-tendering system (in-tend) for the administration of this procurement process and potential suppliers must register with the system to be able to express an interest. If you wish to express an interest in this opportunity please click on the following link to access https://in-tendhost.co.uk/birminghamcc/ and submit your details to register. You will then be sent details on how to log on which will enable you to download all relevant quotation documentation.

If you are unable to register with In-tend or have any questions or problems on how to use this web site please either email us at: cps@birmingham.gov.uk or call CPS Helpdesk on 0121 464 8000.

Your completed quotation submission should be returned by noon on 30th October 2020...