Purpose

To request authority to tender for Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS).

Decision

That the Corporate Director Service Reform and Strategy:

i)               Approves inviting tenders for an Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (UHCAS) on the basis of the pre-tender considerations.

ii)              Approves officers evaluating tenders on the basis of the evaluation criteria.

Reasons for the decision

The Council requires the provision of an Independent Health Complaints Advocacy Service (IHCAS). It has been determined that the most appropriate means of providing the service is through the procurement of a contractor by way of a tender process.

Alternative options considered

Officers considered whether the service could be provided by the Council itself but concluded that its best provided by a contractor.

Officers have reviewed a range of procurement options, including the use of frameworks, but consider that a tender process is the most appropriate means of procuring a contractor.

Officers considered undertaking a direct award for the provision of the service. This was considered as only two bids were received during a previous tender for the service. However, officers wish to test the market in order to not preclude the possibility of there being new providers who may be able to deliver the service.