Open Framework for Supported and Temporary Accommodation

When it becomes necessary to call off from the specific Framework lot the Council may use either of the options below at its discretion:

1. Orders may be placed directly with the Framework Provider under the following conditions:

1A) Continuity of Care Direct Award

The Authority may directly award a Block Contract to an incumbent Framework Supplier where:

• the accommodation units are currently occupied by Service Users receiving support services from that Supplier;
• the Authority has undertaken an assessment of the impact of transferring the Service Users to an alternative Provider;
• the Authority reasonably concludes that continuity of care is necessary because changing Provider would present a material risk to one or more Service Users, including risks relating to safeguarding, wellbeing, stability of placement, continuity of support, recovery outcomes, tenancy sustainment or other care and support outcomes; and
• the Authority records the reasons for its decision in writing.

Where this Clause applies, the Block Contract shall be awarded to the incumbent Framework Supplier delivering the services from the relevant accommodation units.

1B) Purpose-Built Accommodation Direct Award

The Authority may directly award a Block Contract where:

• the accommodation is purpose-built, specifically adapted or uniquely configured for the delivery of the Services required under the Call-Off Contract;
• the accommodation is owned, leased, operated or otherwise controlled by a Framework Supplier;
• the Authority reasonably determines that the accommodation constitutes a material feature of the Service requirement and that equivalent accommodation is not reasonably available without significant disruption, delay or additional cost; and

the Authority records the reasons for its decision in writing.

Where this Clause applies, the Block Contract may be awarded to the Framework Supplier controlling the relevant accommodation.

1C) Individual Placement Agreements

Where the Authority requires accommodation and support for an individual Service User, the Authority may issue a Value in Care form to all Framework Suppliers within the relevant Lot.

The Value in Care From may be updated when deemed necessary depending on the requirements of the Call-Off but will include:

• the Service User's assessed needs;
• required outcomes;
• risk information;
• accommodation requirements;
• support requirements; and
• any other information considered relevant by the Authority.

Framework Suppliers will be invited to submit a Value In Care Proposal in the form specified by the Authority.

Assessment of Individual Placement Proposals

The Authority shall establish a Brokerage Panel comprising appropriately qualified officers. The Brokerage Panel shall assess all compliant Individual Placement Proposals received against the following criteria:

• suitability of the accommodation;
• ability to meet the assessed needs of the Service User;
• safeguarding and risk management arrangements;
• ability to achieve identified outcomes;
• location and accessibility requirements;
• value for money; and
• any other criteria specified within the Individual Placement Request.

The Brokerage Panel shall score or evaluate proposals in accordance with the assessment methodology set out in the Individual Placement Request.

Following evaluation of Individual Placement Proposals, the Authority may directly award an Individual Placement Agreement to the Framework Supplier whose proposal is determined by the Brokerage Panel to provide the Most Suitable Placement.

The decision of the Brokerage Panel shall be documented and retained by the Authority as the objective mechanism for supplier selection under this Framework.

2. A mini competition may be carried out, in which case all contractors appointed to the Framework lot will be invited to bid.

Mini Competition Criteria Mini Competition Weighting

Quality - to be set by Council Officer conducting further competition based on the Percentage Weighting Range 0% - 100%

Price - to be set by Council Officer conducting further competition based on the Percentage Weighting Range 0% - 100%