RESOLVED:
That the establishment of a Framework is endorsed by Cabinet and award of a place on the Framework be made to the two suppliers for Lot 1, as detailed in the Part 2 report.
Reasons for Decision
There is a duty on local authorities to provide parenting
assessments under section 38 (6) of the Children Act 1989, when
directed by the Courts during care proceedings.
Establishing a new Framework Agreement will facilitate a long
term partnership with suppliers, creating the working environment
to support continuous improvement for high quality, child centred
assessment services.
Value for money will be secured through a clear pricing
structure which will help to ensure transparency and clarity around
costs with fixed prices for the first two years of the framework.
In addition to this, there will be robust contract
management.
The recommended awarded providers met the tender evaluation
criteria as well as demonstrating their
experience and ability to deliver robust and high quality
assessment reports that would inform care planning
decisions.
Changes to UK procurement regulations (the Public Contracts Regulations 2015) means that spot purchasing services above specified financial thresholds
(£589,148 per annum for social services) is no longer an appropriate form of procurement.
[This decision may be called in by either the Social Care Services Board or the Council Overview Board]