Decision details

The Exempt Annex  is NOT FOR PUBLICATION in accordance with paragraph 3 of Schedule 12A of Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1972 in that it contains information relating to business and financial affairs, namely information relating to the prices submitted by bidders.  The public interest test has been applied to the information contained within the exempt annex and it is considered that the need to retain the information as exempt outweighs the public interest in disclosing it as to do so could compromise the Council’s position in any future procurement exercise for such services.

The Cabinet Member awarded a contract for the delivery of a Carers Service in Peterborough to the Carers Trust for a maximum total value of £1,400,000.

The contract will operate for the period 1^st July 2014 to 30^th June 2017 with the option to extend the contract for a further two 12 month periods at the Council’s discretion.

There is a wide range of legislation, policy and guidance which underpins support for carers. Key is the cross government 2008 National Carers Strategy “Carers at the heart of 21^st century families and communities” and the 2010 refresh “Recognised, Valued and Supported”. The documents include recognition of the importance of safeguarding children and protecting them from caring responsibilities.

The Care Bill (2013) and consequent guidance and regulations, currently progressing through Parliament and expected to be enacted later this year, will strengthen the rights of carers in a range of areas including information and advice, assessment, prevention, clear entitlements to support, support planning and the assessment of young carers and adults caring for children (parent carers). Under the Children Act  1989, the Local Authority has a duty to make short break provision available and accessible to carers of disabled children.  The Carers Service will support the Council meeting its current and future statutory duties towards carers. 

Historically services for carers have been commissioned through several individual contracts including young carers, siblings and adult carer services. By integrating all of the services, we will provide a single service that can provide a whole family approach to delivery.  This approach is intended to deliver better outcomes to carers and their families and to offer better value to the Council.

The contract will be funded through existing commissioning budgets.

Procurement

This service is classified as a Part B Service contract, under category 25 of the Public Contract Regulations 2006, and therefore not subject to the full european regulations for tendering. A Competitive Contract Notice was published through the Council’s e-sourcing portal which publishes the opportunity to a number of tendering journals, such as Contract Finder and the Council’s website. An open procurement process was undertaken whereby bidders were invited to tender with an indicative value of up to £280 000 per annum.  The criteria for evaluation was:

·         Quality – 60%  (Responses to Tender Requirement Questionnaire)

·         Price - 40% (35% for the actual price and 5% for the assumptions underpinning the proposed financial model)

The Evaluation Panel undertook a desktop evaluation of the written submissions, supported by clarification meetings with bidders, with assistance and input from service users, who participated in the clarification meetings.  Secondly, tender submissions were evaluated on price.

Three organisations submitted tenders and were evaluated as follows:

From the evaluation, the Carers Trust emerged as both the highest quality and most competitive price and therefore the Most Economically Advantageous Tender.

Option 1 - Continuation of current services.  This option was rejected for the following reasons:

a)      The current service does not offer a whole family approach, which will address the needs of the family as opposed to individuals in the family unit.

b)      Operating separate services for carers in Peterborough does not put carers at the centre. It reduces accessibility and limits opportunities to address issues such as ensuring good transition between young carer and adult carer services.

c)       A retender exercise will generate competition within the market, potentially leading to innovation and better value for money for the council.

d)      A continuation of services without a retender would be non compliant

Option 2 - Do not provide carers services

This option was rejected as Peterborough City Council has a statutory duty to commission services for carers.

None.

No additional documents were used unless otherwise stated in the CMDN.