The ICS Collaborative is committed to providing a high-quality, patient led service and this procurement is seeking to appoint either a single service provider, under Lot 1, to deliver all of the services for all of the contracting authorities that form part of the ICS Collaborative, or to appoint potentially 2 service providers or contracts; 1 service provider for NEPTS services for BHRUT and NELFT with some secure transport service requirements and 1 service provider for secure transport for BEHMHT and C&IFT as Lot 2. Bidders can apply for 1 or both lots.
Transport services are to be provided for patients and their escorts that have a genuine medical need that are being transported to a NHS funded service for NHS treatment in accordance with the DoH Eligibility Criteria for Patient Transport Services document issued in August 2007 and Local Eligibility Criteria for: BHRUT (lead organisation that manages patient transport activity for BHR CCGs), BEHMHT, C&IFT and NELFT.
This competitive procurement process for the provision of a managed patient transport service that enables patients to be conveyed in vehicles appropriate to their mobility needs is being led by BHRUT for and on behalf of itself and the above contracting authorities.It is envisaged that each Trust will enter into a contract with the successful bidder (s) depending on which lot the respective Trust decides to award the contract under. BEHMHT and C&IFT would consider appointing a separate provider under Lot 2 from the rest of the ICS. Each of the above Trusts will enter into a separate contract with the successful bidder(s) depending on which lot they enter into. There may also be primary care services that will require transport services as part of this contract. This will include secondary care services provided in a primary care setting on behalf of the BHR CCGs, managed by BHRUT as part of their contract award.
The initial contract period will be five (5) years, with each ICS Collaborative Trust having the option to extend for an additional five (5) years subject to satisfactory performance and commercial review. The contract is based upon the standard NHS Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Services and has been developed for this specific contract.
Collectively, across the ICS Collaborative there are circa 135 000 journeys carried out each year and this contract requires the provision of non-emergency patient transport; emergency medical technician; urgent medical transport and mental health services transportation (including secure patients) 24 hours per day, seven (7) days per week and 365 days per year.
The successful bidder will also be responsible for the provision of a fully resourced, call/control centre/s (including the provision of facilities; personnel and technology) that will process requests through electronic means and via telephone for both lots.
In addition to the above indicative journeys, there is potential for the volumes of journeys to fluctuate, as the activity might increase due to changes in CCG’s obligations and from a more consistent application of the eligibility criteria.
Potential bidders should note that Transfer of Undertakings for the Protection of Employees (TUPE) will apply and the relevant data will be issued at the ITT stage to those shortlisted upon receipt of a signed non-disclosure agreement.
The procurement process will be carried out in accordance with the restricted procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (‘PCR’).
It is anticipated that each ICS Collaborative Trust may enter into a single five (5) year contract with the successful bidder for Lot 1. This contract will have the option for the ICS Collaborate Trusts to extend for an additional five (5) years.
The procurement process will be carried out in accordance with the restricted procedure under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (‘PCR’).
It is anticipated that BEHMHT and C&IFT may enter into a single five (5) year contract with the successful bidder for Lot 2. This contract will have the option for the Trusts to extend for an additional five (5) years.