Purpose

The report sets out the background and process
for the procurement of Integrated Sexual Health (ISH) services for
residents of Merton from October 2024 onwards with recommendations
for approval on the procurement approach

Decision

RESOLVED:
 
That Cabinet:
 
A. Approved procurement
approach (option 3) to procure Integrated Sexual Health (ISH)
services jointly with Wandsworth and Richmond council following a
competitive tender approach, with Wandsworth as lead commissioner.
All Merton governance processes will still be adhered to. The
Council through the Director of Public Health has a statutory
responsibility to commission and provide open access sexual and
reproductive health services.
B. Approved the 3-year contract
term plus the option to extend for a further period of up to 2 + 2
years for the new ISH service (potential total contract length of 7
years) C. Approved procurement timeline to award contract by March
2024 and initiate 6- month mobilisations period for a new contract
to start 1st October 2024
D. Approved indicative
financial envelope for the contract which will be finalised once a
successful provider has been awarded the contract (indicative
budget rather than a maximum ceiling budget has been set to
encourage the market).
E. Approved that authority be
delegated to the Executive Director of Adult Social Care, (ASC),
Integrated Care and Public Health to approve award of the contract
to the successful provider following procurement. This will allow
alignment of procurement timelines with Wandsworth and Richmond
councils.
F. Approved authority to take
up the optional extensions on the contract be delegated to the
Chief Officer and Executive Director of Adult Social Care (ASC),
Integrated Care and Public Health in consultation with the Lead
Member