Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Sunderland City Council
City Hall, Plater Way
Sunderland
SR13AA
UK
Contact person: Issy Langley
E-mail: issy.langley@sunderland.gov.uk
NUTS: UKC23
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.sunderland.gov.uk
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Regional or local authority
I.5) Main activity
General public services
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Management Provider For Public Health Services Delivered In Community Pharmacy Across Sunderland
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
The Council of the City of Sunderland is seeking to appoint a Management Provider for Public Health Services Delivered in Community Pharmacy Across Sunderland ("the Service") for an initial period of two years, with an option for the Council to thereafter extend the contract (at its absolute discretion) for a further period(s) of up to a total maximum extension period of two years, under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 ("PSR").
The Council intends to use the Most Suitable Provider Process under Regulation 10 of the PSR for the award of the proposed Contract for the Service.
This is a Notice of the Intention to follow the Most Suitable Provider Process pursuant to Regulation 10(2) of the PSR.
The procurement and award of the proposed contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this proposed contract.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
379 800.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85100000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKC23
Main site or place of performance:
Boundaries of the City of Sunderland
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Council of the City of Sunderland is seeking to appoint a Management Provider for Public Health Services Delivered in Community Pharmacy Across Sunderland to manage Public Health Services within Community Pharmacies in Sunderland. The Service will include (without limitation):
• Stop Smoking Service.
• Community Pharmacy Nicotine Replacement Therapy Voucher Scheme.
• Community Pharmacy Sexual Health Services (including Emergency Hormonal Contraception (EHC), provision of chlamydia and gonorrhoea screening kits, and registration of service users and distribution of condoms via the local C Card Scheme).
This is a new Service which is estimated to commence on 1 December 2025 for an initial contract period of two years, with option(s) to extend thereafter by the Council (at its absolute discretion) for a further period(s) of up to a total maximum extension period of two years.
II.2.14) Additional information
The Council intends to follow the Most Suitable Provider Process under Regulation 10 of the PSR in respect of the award of the proposed contract.
In line with the Regulation 10 (5) the Notice of Intention will remain open until 23:59 on Tuesday, 15th July 2025. Where a provider wishes to express an interest, the provider should submit their EOI to Issy Langley, Category Manager (email: issy.langley@sunderland.gov.uk) prior to this date and time.
The Council reserves the right to not award any contract and/or to abandon the process at any time. The Council shall not be liable in any circumstances to any party for any costs, expenses and/or other losses in connection with this process.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
02/10/2025
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
The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 ("PSR") - Intended Approach Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.
For avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
Details of the award decision-makers: Executive Director of Health, Housing and Communities.
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
01/07/2025