Contract notice
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board
99E
Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Rd,
Basildon
SS14 3HG
UK
Contact person: Cariad Burgess
E-mail: cariad.burgess@attain.co.uk
NUTS: UKH3
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk
I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge at:
https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be sent electronically to:
https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/
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://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/
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
Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board
Reference number: ACE-0796-2025
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85100000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (herein referred to as 'the Authority') seeks suitably qualified providers to tender for this 'NHS Talking Therapies (TT) and Psychological Therapies for Severe Mental Health Problems (PT SMHP) herein referred to as 'Mental Health Core Services'.
The Authority is undertaking a Competitive Process within the scope of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) regulations. The service that this notice relates is within scope of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The Authority is bound only by the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations.
The contract term is from 01st August 2025 - 31st July 2028, with the option to extend for a maximum of 24 months. The aggregate value of the contract (including extensions) as advertised in the Find a Tender Service (FTS) is £92,503,175.00 Sterling. The aggregate value of the contract (excluding extensions) is £55,879,469.00 Sterling over the 3-year contract term.
To register interest please go to https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html . Click on 'Register here' and follow the onscreen instructions. The relevant documentation will be available within the 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
92 503 175.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
85323000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKH3
Main site or place of performance:
Mid and South Essex Health Economy
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
The provisions to which the service relates are NHS Talking Therapies (TT, formally known as IAPT) and Psychological Therapies for Severe Mental Health Problems (PT SMHP), referred to herein as “Mental Health Core Services”.
In July 2020 the ICBs superseded the previous Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs). In Mid and South Essex there were 5 separate CCGs (Mid Essex, Basildon and Brentwood, Thurrock, Castle Point and Rochford and Southend). The historic arrangements have created inequitable service provision for patients living within Mid and South Essex, with multiple pathways and varied levels of access. The Long-Term Plan and Joint Forward Plan (2023) states a commitment to increase access to psychological therapies with a focus on maintaining treatment times and recovery standards. The Authority intends to commission a single system-wide offer, to amalgamate all the contracts for these services into one contract to support integration, reduce fragmentation of services and reduce the number of contracts that Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board will manage. The Authority pursues this commissioning strategy in order to reduce health inequalities, enhance and improve outcomes, including patient safety and quality.
The new service will provide a single provision for NHS Talking Therapies and Psychological Therapies for Severe Mental Health Problems across Mid and South Essex, ensuring that patients are seen by the right person, at the right time and on the correct pathway.
The aims and objectives for delivery of the Service include:
• Improving the health of our population and reducing health inequalities, by ensuring improved patient outcomes with a focus on quality of delivery across the ICS.
• Ensure patients have equitable offer across the board, while encouraging partnership working amongst organisations across the system.
• Enhance productivity and value for money, by reducing administration time, duplication, and overall management costs.
The Authority is running a competitive procurement process which will establish one contract for the new provision commencing on the 01st August 2025 to 31st July 2028 (with option to extend for a maximum of 24 months), for a potential aggregate total contract term of 5 years inclusive of extensions. The award criteria, including Basic Selection and Key Criteria are outlined within the procurement documentation. The service requirements and details are outlined in the Document 3 - Service Specification included in the procurement pack. All relevant information can be obtained for free via the e-procurement portal at https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/ under the title 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.
Please Note: Any expenditure, work or effort undertaken by you in relation to any procurement activity is a matter solely for your own commercial judgment. The Authority reserves the right to withdraw from the process at any time or to not tender the service(s) or to tender on a different basis. In such circumstances, and in any event, the Authority and/or its advisors shall not be liable for any costs or loss of expenses whatsoever incurred by any organisation, agent or subsidiary that may have contributed to any proposals submitted to this notice. Any and all information/documents are draft and subject to change. Under no circumstances should providers approach the Authority directly in relation to the service.
To register interest please go to https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html . Click on 'Register here' and follow the onscreen instructions. The relevant documentation will be available within the 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.' The deadline for receipt of compliant bid submissions is 28th March 2025 at 17:30hrs.
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:
92 503 175.00
GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start:
01/08/2025
End:
31/07/2028
This contract is subject to renewal: No
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:
Yes
Description of options:
Option to extend for further 24 months beyond the 3-year contract term (from 01st August 2028 - 31st July 2030)
II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:
No
II.2.14) Additional information
To register interest please go to https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html . Click on 'Register here' and follow the onscreen instructions. The relevant documentation will be available within the 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.' The deadline for receipt of compliant bid submissions is 28th March 2025 at 17:30hrs.
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:
In line with the Provider Selection Regime, Basic Selection Criteria and Key Criteria have been outlined for the assessment of this competitive tender process. The Basic Selection Criteria relating to suitability to pursue the professional activity is as stated in the procurement documents (that can be found at https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html
To register interest please go to https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html . Click on 'Register here' and follow the onscreen instructions. The relevant documentation will be available within the 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.' The deadline for receipt of compliant bid submissions is 28th March 2025 at 17:30hrs.
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
III.1.5) Information about reserved contracts
The contract is reserved to sheltered workshops and economic operators aiming at the social and professional integration of disabled or disadvantaged persons.
III.2) Conditions related to the contract
III.2.2) Contract performance conditions
Mid and South Essex Health Economy
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
- Accelerated procedure
Justification:
"Accelerated" process due to extreme urgency for this Mental Health Core Services. The Authority will follow a competitive process in line with The Health and Care Act 2022, Provider Selection Regime (PSR), regulations and has allowed 25 days for tenders to be completed and returned to ensure sufficient time for Bidders to submit a qualitative and costed response in line with the terms and conditions outlined in the procurement documentation and the award criteria stipulated within the procurement documentation.
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.
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
No
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:
2025/S 000-004631
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date:
28/03/2025
Local time: 17:30
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:
28/03/2025
Local time: 17:30
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement:
No
VI.3) Additional information
To register interest please go to https://attain.bravosolution.co.uk/web/login.html . Click on 'Register here' and follow the onscreen instructions. The relevant documentation will be available within the 'itt_160 - Mental Health Core Services (TT & PT SMHP) for NHS MSE ICB'' project.' The deadline for receipt of compliant bid submissions is 28th March 2025 at 17:30hrs.
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 Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board
Phoenix House, Christopher Martin Rd,
Basildon
SS14 3HG
UK
E-mail: cariad.burgess@attain.co.uk
Internet address(es)
URL: https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/about/boards/integrated-care-board/
VI.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures:
NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board independent review panel
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
04/03/2025