A Framework Agreement for the Provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) Services

Concepts

• welfare services
• provision of independent fostering agencies
• ifa
• swindon
• bristol
• southampton
• oxford
• portsmouth
• dorset
• wokingham

Location

SOUTHAMPTON

Description

This procurement invites tenders from both new applicants to The Councils' Framework for the Provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) Services, or from existing providers on this framework who wish to improve their original price offers or to apply for a place on additional lots. The notice for the original establishment of the Framework Agreement was published on the 28th July 2021 (reference 2021/S 000-017949) and the amended publication dated 7th September 2021, reference 2021/S 000-022124) which read as follows: "This procurement is for the establishment of a framework agreement for the provision of independent fostering agency services across sixteen (16) local authorities that comprise the South-Central IFA Framework consortium. This ITT is to establish a Framework Agreement between Southampton City Council (on behalf of the South-Central IFA Framework consortium) and those tenderers successful in their applications to be accepted on to the framework to enable the provision of foster care placements in accordance with the terms of the framework agreement. The sixteen local authorities which comprise the South-Central IFA Framework consortium (thereby referred to as "The Councils") are: Bracknell Forest Council, Bristol City Council, Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole Council, Dorset Council, Isle of Wight Council, Oxfordshire County Council, Portsmouth City Council, Reading Borough Council, Slough Children's Services Trust, Southampton City Council, Surrey County Council, Swindon Borough Council, West Berkshire Council, Wiltshire County Council, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Wokingham Borough Council

Lot Division

CPV Codes

• 85311300 - Welfare services for children and young people

Indicators

• Bids should cover a maximum number of lots.
• Bids may cover one or more lots.
• This is a recurring contract.
• Renewals are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

This published notice supercedes previously published "Additional Information" (notice references 2021/S 000-017949 and 2021/S 000-022124) to reflect the change in e-procurement portal now used by Southampton City Council. This procurement is being managed by Southampton City Council, on behalf of the South Central IFA Framework consortium, in accordance with Regulations 74-76 of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 ("Light Touch Regime"). For any additional information related to this tender please see the published procurement documents. Applicants will be required to apply via the 'Supply Southampton' website, accessible at: https://supplierlive.proactisp2p.com/Account/Login where registration with the Council's Proactis procurement e-portal can be undertaken by selecting the 'register button'. Once registered, details relating to this procurement can be accessed by clicking on the "Opportunities" tile and using the search bar to search for " A Framework Agreement for the Provision of Independent Fostering Agencies (IFA) Services" (Proactis reference: REQ/1000050) Freedom of Information - Applicants are advised that Southampton City Council is subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 ('The Act'). If an applicant considers that any of the information supplied as part of this procurement procedure should not be disclosed because of its commercial sensitivity, confidentiality or otherwise, they must, when providing this information, clearly identify the specific information they do not wish to be disclosed and clearly specify the reasons for its sensitivity. Southampton City Council shall take such statements into consideration in the event that it receives a request pursuant to the Act which relates to the information provided by the interested party. Please note, it is not sufficient to include a statement of confidentiality encompassing all the information provided in the response. Southampton City Council shall not be responsible for any costs, charges or expenses incurred by applicants or tenderers and accepts no liability for any costs, charges or expenses, irrespective of the outcome of the competition, or if the competition is cancelled or postponed. Whilst every effort has been made to consider the full scope of the requirement the Council does not guarantee the volume of supplies/service/works required resulting from this tender or that it will accept any tender on completion of the tender exercise. Southampton City Council reserves the right not to award all or any part of this contract. All dates and time periods specified in this notice are only provisional and Southampton City Council reserves the right to change these. The Contracting Authority may be subject to governmental codes of practice or guidance relating to a transparency agenda, including the policy of publishing contracts and all other documents relating to public procurement activity. Accordingly and notwithstanding any other provision within this notice, it should be noted that the Contracting Authority will publish any documents relating to the procurement and subsequent contract award resulting from this notice (but with any information which is exempt from disclosure in accordance with the provisions of the FOIA redacted) in accordance with the aforementioned governmental transparency agenda. When executing the contract within the United Kingdom, the successful supplier will be required to comply with the recommendations of the Code of Practice for Employment, published by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. The suppliers will also be required to comply with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. Further information on the Council's requirements on the aforementioned will be included in the invitation to tender documents.