Ross Care · UK public procurement notice

A gap in formal contractual arrangements has been identified. The ICB is now taking appropriate steps to regularise the position and ensure compliance with statutory procurement requirements, including the implementation of a direct award where justified. It has been identified that activity has been delivered without a formal commissioned contract in place. Procurement advice, in line with the Procurement Act 2023, is to proceed with a direct award on an urgent basis to maintain continuity of service delivery and ensure appropriate contractual arrangements are in place, rather than relying on non-commissioned activity.

This approach is justified under Section 41 and Schedule 5 (paragraph 13) of the Act, which permit direct award where a valid justification applies, including circumstances of extreme and unavoidable urgency. In this case, the immediate need to maintain safe and effective service provision means that a competitive procurement cannot be undertaken within the required timeframe. The proposed award is therefore strictly necessary, proportionate, and limited to the period required to regularise the position and undertake a compliant procurement process.

Contract term 01.04.2026 - 30.09.2027