Decision details

Agreed that:-
(1) The Director of Adult Social Care is given delegated authority to complete a procurement exercise in order to secure the provision of 4 block Enhanced Assessment Complex Dementia Beds in one location to ensure continuity of provision and to replace the existing contract, which is ending on 30 September 2023;

(2) The Council award and enter into a Contract with the successful bidder, on terms to be agreed with the Director of Adult Social Care, for the provision of Enhanced Assessment Complex Dementia Beds to commence on 1 October 2023 to 30 September 2024, and then extend the contract for a further 2 x 12 month periods (1 October 2024 to 30 September 2025 and then again on 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2026);

(3) The Director - Law and Governance and Monitoring Officer, or their designated representative, may execute any documents necessary within a reasonable time to give effect to the proposals in recommendation 1.2 for the provision of Enhanced Assessment Complex Dementia Beds;

(4) Should an Exemption to Rules 8.10 and 8.11 of the Procurement and Contract Procedure Rules 2022/23, or subsequent amendment be required, the Director of Adult Social Care to award contracts to the successful tenderer in the event that the required minimum number of tenders are not received;

(5) Variations to the Contract up to a maximum of 10% of the contract value can be made, should they be necessitated, and that the appropriate Chief Officer, in consultation with the Cabinet Member, is given delegated authority to the approve such variations;

(6) An uplift to the weekly bed rate for Enhanced Assessment Complex Dementia Beds which is to be implemented from 1 April 2024 (April 2025 and April 2026, if required) subject to the Joint Partnership Board agreeing the rates and funding available. Variations to the contract will be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate Chief Officer;

The following levels of insurance:
- Public Liability - a level of £5million (five million pounds) in respect of any one claim.
- Employers Liability - a level of £5million (five million pounds) in respect of any one claim.
- Professional Indemnity - a level of £2million (two million pounds) in respect of any one claim.

There is no further extension option available in the current contract which ends on 30 September 2023, and therefore a procurement exercise is required to be undertaken and a contract awarded to the successful bidder in order to ensure there are appropriate agreements in place from 1 October 2023.

(1) Do not re-procure and allow the current contract in place to lapse.
This is not a viable option as there will be increased delays in hospital and people not benefiting from admission avoidance leading to system pressure.

(2) Allow the current contract in place to lapse and procure beds on a spot purchased basis.
This is not a viable option as spot provision does not have any terms that require care homes to expedite assessment and admission, leading to intolerable delays.