- Is Open Framework Scheme
- Yes
- Method
- withReopeningCompetition
- Type
- closed
- Description
- The Framework rates will apply to all Call-off Contracts. Price will not be reopened or evaluated as part of the call-off process, and no further scored competition will be undertaken between Framework Providers.
When a requirement arises, the Authority will identify the applicable geographical Lot and service type and will ordinarily issue an anonymised referral to the eligible Framework Providers appointed to that Lot. The referral will set out the individual’s assessed needs, intended outcomes, requested support arrangements and any relevant requirements, preferences or timescales.
Providers will be required to complete the Authority’s standard Provider Response to Referral form, or provide the equivalent information through any secure electronic referral or brokerage system introduced by the Authority.
Where more than one Provider is able to meet the requirements, the Authority will present the suitable options to the Service User, and where appropriate their representative, in a clear and accessible format. This may include the relevant information provided through the standard Provider Response to Referral form.
The Service User will be supported to make an informed choice between the suitable Providers. The decision will take account of the Service User’s wishes and preferences, their assessed needs and outcomes, the suitability of the Provider’s proposed approach, capacity, proposed commencement date, ability to meet the requested support arrangements and any other relevant Service User-specific consideration.
The Authority will award the Call-off Contract to the suitable Provider selected by the Service User, subject to final confirmation that the Provider can meet the full referral requirements and completion of the applicable call-off documentation.
The process is intended to promote the individual’s wellbeing, choice and control in accordance with the principles of the Care Act 2014. The Act’s wellbeing duty expressly includes the individual’s control over day-to-day life, including control over care and support and the way it is provided. The statutory guidance also states that care and support functions and decisions should focus on the needs and goals of the person concerned.
The Framework will operate as an Open Framework in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023.
The initial Framework period will commence on the Commencement date and shall continue for a period of two (2) years. HPFT may, at its sole discretion, extend this initial Framework period by up to one (1) additional year.
Prior to the expiry of the initial Framework period (or any extension thereof), HPFT may reopen the Framework and admit new Providers. Existing Providers will have the opportunity to submit an updated tender response or remain on the Framework subject to the requirements of the reopening process.
Any successive Framework awarded following a reopening is anticipated to have an initial duration of two (2) years, with the option for HPFT to extend that Framework by up to one (1) additional year.
The timing of any reopening and the exercise of any extension option will be determined solely by HPFT. HPFT reserves the right to:
• extend a Framework period by up to one (1) year;
• reopen the Framework at the end of any Framework period;
• decide not to exercise an available extension; and/or
• decide not to award a further successive Framework.
The Open Framework may therefore comprise a series of consecutive Framework periods of varying duration. The overall duration of the Open Framework, including all successive Framework periods and any extensions, shall not exceed eight (8) years from the Commencement date of the initial Framework.
- Open Framework Scheme End Date
- 31 Mar 2035, 23:59