Issue - meetings

Report ACS 11072

Further to Minute 41 (20^th July 2011) consideration was given to a request for a further extension of the existing contract arrangements for Domiciliary Care Services.  Members were informed that since July preparations had been going on towards an open tender exercise leading to letting a framework for domiciliary care services.  It had originally been anticipated that a new contract could be awarded to start from 28^th August 2012 upon the conclusion of the existing contract.  However, there had been considerable interest from providers and more time might be required for the evaluation process although the Assistant Director of Commissioning and Partnerships – Adult and Community Services advised that they would only use this option if necessary given the response to the tenders.

RESOLVED that approval be given to waive competitive tendering requirements to continue the existing contractual arrangement for a period of up to 4 months from 28^th August 2012, if required in order that contractual arrangements are in place whilst the procurement exercise is completed.

Report ACS11033

Contracts for the current domiciliary care services expired in February 2012. In accordance with requirements for Gateway reviews, the Executive considered a report seeking approval for the recommended procurement strategy for the new contracts and for interim arrangements from February to August 2012. It was confirmed that there would be no minimum guaranteed hours, so the Council would only be paying for the services that were needed.

RESOLVED that

(1)  The proposal to waive competitive tender requirements to continue the existing contractual arrangements for a further six months until 27^th August 2012 be approved.

(2)  Approval be given to conduct an open tender for a framework for domiciliary care services - the framework would be let for 5 years from 28^th August 2012 with an option to extend for up to 2 years, the options to be exercised by the Director of Adult and Community Services in consultation with the Adult and Community Portfolio Holder.