Workforce Transformation Solutions Framework Agreement

The framework is available for use by all NHS bodies and other public sector organisations in the United Kingdom who are referenced within the FTS award notice.

The Framework Agreement will be a multi supplier agreement. Award of Contracts will either be by direct award following a catalogue call off process, or by following a further competition process.

All engagement and call-off contracts

The following outlines a high-level process of how parties will engage each other. For a detailed explanation of the process and evaluation criteria to be used as part of this process please see Schedule 7 of the Template Framework Agreement (Document 4 of the ITT Pack).

1. Framework Suppliers will promote the Framework in their marketing to potential Participating Authorities to generate interest.
2. Interested Participating Authorities will be directed to information about this Framework.
3. Participating Authorities can then liaise directly with the Framework Host to satisfy themselves that the Framework meets their need.
4. The Framework Host will issue interested Participating Authorities with a briefing pack including details of how to utilise the Framework.
5. If a Participating Authority opts to utilise the Framework, the Participating Authority will follow the appropriate call-off process (with or without further competition).
6. At the conclusion of the call-off process, the Participating Authority will request a Framework Unique Reference Number from the Framework Host. The Framework Host will issue the Participating Authority with a Unique Reference Number which the Participating Authority can use to call-off the Goods under the Framework Agreement. At this point, the Participating Authority will be referred to as a Framework Host. Participating Authorities attempting to engage the successful Supplier without the Unique Reference Number are doing so outside of the remit of this Framework and as such the Framework Host can offer no assurance on legal compliance.
7. The Participating Authority awards a Call-off Contract.
8. The Framework Host will send a copy of each completed Call off Contract to the Framework Host (personally identifiable information may be redacted prior to sending), for the purposes of ensuring that all Charges payable for the Goods are in line with

Framework Prices. This is a requirement of NHS England framework host accreditation; Countess of Chester Hospital Commercial Procurement Services will not be party to the Call-off Contract and will not be involved in contract negotiations.

Award without further competition

Each Framework in the Open Framework scheme will be a multi supplier Framework with a catalogue call-off mechanism. Where the call-off terms do not require any significant amendment or any supplementary terms and conditions other than those permitted by and in accordance with the procurement regulations and the NHS Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Goods, Participating Authorities may call off goods as and when required directly from a successful Framework Supplier following a catalogue evaluation of the information submitted from this tender exercise and using the defined award criteria. Catalogue rates will apply to any Call-off Contract awarded without further

competition.

Where these conditions are not met, the Participating Authority will follow the Call for Competition Procedure.

Award following further competition

If Participating Authorities want to allow Framework Suppliers to develop proposals or a solution in respect of their requirement; and/or they need to amend or refine the terms of the call-off contract to reflect their requirements (to the extent permitted by and in accordance with the procurement regulations and the NHS Terms and Conditions for the Provision of Goods, a further competition will be required.

To award a Call-off Contract under a Framework through a further competition Participating Authorities should:

1. Develop a statement of requirements
2. Amend or refine the template call-off form and call-off terms to reflect the services required.
3. Refine the evaluation criteria and develop a scoring methodology.
4. Develop an invitation to tender pack, along with award criteria and further competition process.
5. Identify the framework suppliers capable of providing the services.
6. Invite all capable suppliers to tender by conducting a further competition in accordance with the regulations.
7. Evaluate tenders, score and provide feedback to bidders.
8. Sign the call-off form with the successful supplier including any supplementary terms or schedules identified in the tender.
9. Publish Contract Award Notice (Intention to Award) on the Find a Tender Service and follow the mandated standstill period.
10. At the conclusion of the standstill period, publish a Corrigendum to the Contract Award Notice (intention to award) declaring that the contract has now been awarded.

The following criteria and weightings shall apply to the evaluation for direct award and of tenders received through the further competition procedure.

Contracting Authorities may apply sub-criteria appropriate to their requirements.

Weightings and sub-weightings for the evaluation criteria will be set by the Contracting Authority and shall add up to 100%