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Contract Notice

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to NHS England South East

  • First published: 24 April 2024
  • Last modified: 24 April 2024

The buyer is not using this website to administer the notice.

To record your interest or obtain additional information or documents please find instructions within the Full Notice Text. (NOTE: Contract Award Notices and Prior Information Notices do not normally require a response)

Contents

Summary

OCID:
ocds-h6vhtk-043c07
Published by:
NHS England
Authority ID:
AA20005
Publication date:
24 April 2024
Deadline date:
24 June 2024
Notice type:
Contract Notice
Has documents:
No
Has SPD:
No
Has Carbon Reduction Plan:
N/A

Abstract

NHS England, the Offices of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCCs) and Police Forces within the South East are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

NHS England is the lead commissioner for these services.

This procurement is divided into 5 lots and covers the following areas:

Lot 1: Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight)

Lot 2: Kent

Lot 3: Surrey

Lot 4: Sussex

Lot 5: Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes)

Due to its geography, it is proposed that there will be two SARC premises in Thames Valley. For all other areas, one SARC premises is proposed.

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

At present, there is considerable variation in service provision across the SARCs, not only with regard to the age and needs of service users, but also in relation to activity, service specification, and referral pathways.

The recommissioning exercise will aim to increase equity of access and ensure a consistent and high standard of quality care to victims of sexual assault. The service will be delivered in line with current national standards, guidance and best practice, and at the same time meet the local needs of each Force area.

The Provider will ensure that services are delivered in an age-appropriate way for children and adults; all staff must meet the skills and competences commensurate with the role they are performing. The service should consider safeguarding, health and forensic requirements in line with current and relevant guidelines.

For the avoidance of doubt, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services and therapeutic provision including counselling and talking therapies, will be out of scope. However, the SARC provider/s will work closely with these services and ensure service users are referred to onward provision as appropriate.

The contract term will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

NHS England are also commissioning SARC services within Dorset, this procurement is running to the same timeline as the South East to encourage and facilitate bidders to submit bids for both regions. Please search for 'Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs) in Dorset to NHS England South West' to see the relevant advert.

TUPE will apply to this procurement.

This exercise is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s).

Full notice text

Contract notice

Section I: Contracting authority

I.1) Name and addresses

NHS England

London

UK

Contact person: Rebecca Rogers

E-mail: scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net

NUTS: UKI

Internet address(es)

Main address: https://www.england.nhs.uk

Address of the buyer profile: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

I.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome


Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address


Tenders or requests to participate must be sent to the abovementioned address


Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at:

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome


I.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

I.5) Main activity

Health

Section II: Object

II.1) Scope of the procurement

II.1.1) Title

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to NHS England South East

Reference number: C251343

II.1.2) Main CPV code

85100000

 

II.1.3) Type of contract

Services

II.1.4) Short description

NHS England, the Offices of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCCs) and Police Forces within the South East are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

NHS England is the lead commissioner for these services.

This procurement is divided into 5 lots and covers the following areas:

Lot 1: Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight)

Lot 2: Kent

Lot 3: Surrey

Lot 4: Sussex

Lot 5: Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes)

Due to its geography, it is proposed that there will be two SARC premises in Thames Valley. For all other areas, one SARC premises is proposed.

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

At present, there is considerable variation in service provision across the SARCs, not only with regard to the age and needs of service users, but also in relation to activity, service specification, and referral pathways.

The recommissioning exercise will aim to increase equity of access and ensure a consistent and high standard of quality care to victims of sexual assault. The service will be delivered in line with current national standards, guidance and best practice, and at the same time meet the local needs of each Force area.

The Provider will ensure that services are delivered in an age-appropriate way for children and adults; all staff must meet the skills and competences commensurate with the role they are performing. The service should consider safeguarding, health and forensic requirements in line with current and relevant guidelines.

For the avoidance of doubt, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services and therapeutic provision including counselling and talking therapies, will be out of scope. However, the SARC provider/s will work closely with these services and ensure service users are referred to onward provision as appropriate.

The contract term will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

NHS England are also commissioning SARC services within Dorset, this procurement is running to the same timeline as the South East to encourage and facilitate bidders to submit bids for both regions. Please search for 'Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs) in Dorset to NHS England South West' to see the relevant advert.

TUPE will apply to this procurement.

This exercise is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s).

II.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: 49 714 000.00  GBP

II.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

II.2) Description

Lot No: 1

II.2.1) Title

Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight)

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

85100000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKJ3

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Hampshire and Isle of Wight SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 84

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 2

II.2.1) Title

Kent

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

85100000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKJ4

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Kent Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Kent lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Kent SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: 9 041 000.00  GBP

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 84

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 3

II.2.1) Title

Surrey

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

85100000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKJ2

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Surrey and Surrey Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Surrey lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Surrey SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: 9 041 000.00  GBP

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 84

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 4

II.2.1) Title

Sussex

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

85100000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKJ2

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Sussex Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Sussex lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Sussex SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: 9 041 000.00  GBP

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 84

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Lot No: 5

II.2.1) Title

Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes)

II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

85100000

II.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS code:

UKJ1

II.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Thames Valley and Thames Valley Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Thames Valley lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Thames Valley SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

II.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

II.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: 13 550 000.00  GBP

II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months: 84

This contract is subject to renewal: Yes

Description of renewals:

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited

II.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

II.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds

The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information

III.1) Conditions for participation

III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

List and brief description of conditions:

Registrations with professional bodies, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV).

III.1.2) Economic and financial standing

Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents


III.2) Conditions related to the contract

Section IV: Procedure

IV.1) Description

IV.1.1) Type of procedure

Open procedure

IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

IV.2) Administrative information

IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure

Notice number in the OJ S:

2024/S 000-005754

IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date: 24/06/2024

Local time: 12:00

IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted

EN

IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)

IV.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date: 24/06/2024

Local time: 12:01

Section VI: Complementary information

VI.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: Yes

VI.3) Additional information

Interested providers will be able to view this opportunity via the live opportunities list on the 'Health Family' e-procurement system, Atamis. Click on 'View our Live Opportunities' from the home page, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.

Once you have found the opportunity (via the search function, using the title or reference number), to gain full access to the bid documentation (including questionnaires), you will need to click on 'Register interest' - this will take you to the log-in page.

If you are not already registered on the system, you will need to do so before gaining full access to the documentation and be able to submit a bid.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

VI.4) Procedures for review

VI.4.1) Review body

NHS England

London

UK

VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice

23/04/2024

Coding

Commodity categories

ID Title Parent category
85100000 Health services Health and social work services

Delivery locations

ID Description
100 UK - All

Alert region restrictions

The buyer has restricted the alert for this notice to suppliers based in the following regions.

ID Description
There are no alert restrictions for this notice.

About the buyer

Main contact:
scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net
Admin contact:
N/a
Technical contact:
N/a
Other contact:
N/a

Further information

Date Details
No further information has been uploaded.

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