Flexible Framework Agreement for Supported Living Services in Staffordshire

The procurement is for a Flexible Framework Agreement for the Provision of Supported Living Services ("the Framework"). The Framework is divided into four (4) Lots, with Lots 2 to 4 being sub-divided into A and B.

The Council will be awarding Call-Off Contracts for the provision of supported living services to both a single individual, an "Individual Call-Off Contract", and groups of individuals who all reside in the same premises, a "Block Call-Off Contract". These are described fully in the Specification at Schedule 1 to the Framework.

Call-Off Contracts will be awarded by both Direct Award and a Mini-Competition process as detailed in the ITT Procurement Pack and the Framework terms.

Supported Living Services support individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, Autism and/or mental health conditions to live independently in the community.

The Services covered by this procurement are limited to those required to meet the individual's assessed eligible needs under the Care Act 2014 and are funded by the Authority. Housing or other services that the individual receives are NOT covered.

This procurement does not relate to the placement of individuals into their supported living accommodation.

The Authority is utilising the flexibility provided by the 'Light Touch Regime' in section 7 (Social and Other Specific Services) of Chapter 3 (Regulations 74 to 76) of the Public Contracts Regulations ("PCR") 2015 to undertake a bespoke procurement process that adopts elements of the Open Procedure.

This "flexibility" is being utilised to establish the Framework for an initial period of five (5) years, commencing on 9th September 2024 ("Framework Term"). Thereafter the Council reserves the right to extend the Framework Term in such period or periods as the Council deems appropriate up to a further three (3) years, providing a total possible Framework Term of eight (8) years, ending on 8th September 2032.

In addition, the Authority may exercise its flexibility to 'open' the Framework for Providers to submit Tenders to join the Framework during the Framework Term.

The reopening of the Framework will be at the Authority's reasonable discretion, for example, if the Authority needs to increase the capacity or respond to emerging needs.

Any reopening of the Framework will be subject to the same Award Criteria and same process as outlined in the ITT Procurement Pack. Any Provider whose Tender for appointment to the Framework has previously been unsuccessful, is permitted to submit a new Tender at any time the Framework is reopened.