Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Hampshire County Council
The Castle, High Street
Winchester
SO238UJ
UK
Contact person: Chloe Wells
E-mail: strategic.procurement@hants.gov.uk
NUTS: UKJ3
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://hants.gov.uk
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://in-tendhost.co.uk/hampshire/aspx/Home
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Intention to Follow Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process - Embedding Smoking Cessation In NHS Talking Therapies
Reference number: AS28601
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85121270
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Intended Approach 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 Procurement Act 2023 or Public Contract Regulations 2015 do not apply to this contract.
This Intended Approach Notice is being published in line with Regulation 10 - under The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime - PSR) Regulations 2023. The Most Suitable Provider Process is being used to commission this service.
This will be published for at least 14 calendar days as per the requirements of the Provider Selection Regime 2023.
This is to enable providers to approach the Council and express their interest in being considered as the 'most suitable provider'. To do so, providers must register on Hampshire County Council's E-Tendering platform, In-Tend: https://in-tendhost.co.uk/hampshire/aspx/Home
Once you have registered and accessed the In-tend project reference AS28601, please send a message through the portal's messaging facility to express your interest.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
110 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKJ35
UKJ36
UKJ37
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
Hampshire Council is seeking a provider via the Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 to embed smoking cessation into talking therapies.
Description of Service and Initiative:
OHID has allocated funding to local authorities in England through the Local Stop Smoking Services and Support Grant (LSSSSG). The grant aims to strengthen smoking cessation services in Hampshire, increase quit attempts, and support the government's ambition for a smoke-free generation. It focuses on expanding access to evidence-based behavioural support and targeting groups with higher smoking rates to reduce health inequalities.
Smoking is strongly linked to anxiety and depression, with higher smoking rates among people with mental health conditions. While smoking harms physical health, it also worsens mental health outcomes. Evidence shows quitting smoking can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, highlighting the potential role of talking therapies in both smoking cessation. Evidence demonstrates that talking therapies and counselling significantly increase long-term quit rates.
Hampshire Council is seeking a suitable provider of NHS Talking Therapy services to embed smoking cessation offer into established services in Hampshire. The talking therapy services offered must free at the point of access with the provider able to embed Very Brief Advice into its talking therapy service. It must employ a clinical psychologist who is able to provide oversight and leadership to the programme. The activity will possibly include developing training materials and training staff, embedding Very Brief Advice into talking therapy services and offering online webinars.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
02/03/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Intended Approach 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 Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this contract.
1) Conditions for participation
1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions
The successful most suitable provider will have to satisfy the Basic Selection Criteria and demonstrate how they meet the Key Criteria as listed within this notice.
The Council will select the most suitable provider based on the following stages:
1) The Provider will have to satisfy the Basic Selection Criteria in accordance with regulation 19 of the PSR
2) The Council will then assess providers who satisfy the Basic Selection Criteria against the Key Criteria as set out below to determine the most suitable provider.
The criteria are ranked in priority order:-
a) Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice value
b) Integration, collaboration, and service sustainability
c) Quality and Innovation
d) Value
e) Social Value
1.2) Economic and financial standing
List and brief description of selection criteria
As part of the most suitable provider process there will be an assessment of the company's financial performance and stability based on the accounts provided and a financial risk assessment carried out by Credit Safe
Minimum level(s) of standards possibly required
The provider must be a current provider of NHS Talking Therapy Services in Hampshire, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
The services provided must be free at the point of use
The provider must employ a trained clinical psychologist who can provider leadership to and oversee the programme
The provider must provide in person therapy to Hampshire residents (although they may have remote or digital offer in addition to in person sessions).
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
07/01/2026