This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is issued in accordance with the Procurement Act 2023 to notify the market of Arc Poperty Services Partnership's(the Client) intention to engage with interested organisations regarding a proposed framework for the provision of temporary agency workers. The framework is anticipated to be established by the Client and made available for use by: - Arc Property Services Partnership Limited; - VIA East Midlands Limited; and - SCAPE Group Limited and its group companies. The purpose of the engagement is to obtain market feedback and better understand current market capability, delivery models, contractual arrangements and commercial practices before commencing a formal procurement process. Participation in this engagement exercise will not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any future procurement process. The Client regularly requires the provision of temporary workers to support operational and professional service requirements across a diverse range of disciplines. The anticipated framework may be used to source temporary personnel across a broad range of roles, including but not limited to: - Administrative and business support staff; - Professional and technical personnel; - Construction and built environment professionals; - Project and programme management roles; - Engineering and surveying disciplines; and - Other specialist temporary resource requirements. Health and social care professionals are not within the scope of this proposed framework and will not form part of any subsequent procurement process. The contracting authorities are exploring the establishment of a single-supplier framework arrangement that will provide an efficient, compliant and flexible route for the engagement of temporary agency workers.

Procurement Act 2023

The Client is seeking feedback from employment businesses, recruitment agencies, managed service providers and other relevant organisations regarding: Contract Form: The proposal to utilise the NEC4 Framework Contract as the basis of the framework arrangement, including: - Suitability of the NEC4 Framework Contract for temporary labour provision; - Suitability of our bespoke amendments and call-off arrangements under the NEC4; - Performance management mechanisms within the market; - Service level arrangements within the market; and - Practical operational considerations. Framework Structure: Views on: - Single-supplier versus multi-supplier arrangements; - Call-off processes; - Pricing mechanisms and charging structures; - Approach to inflation and market fluctuations; and - Reporting and management information requirements within the market. Delivery Model: Feedback on: - Supply chain management for service provider; - Agency worker compliance; - Vetting and onboarding processes; - Availability of specialist skills (particularly in site management); and - Worker substitution arrangements. Procurement Approach: Comments regarding: - Proportionate selection and award criteria; - Appropriate contract KPIs; - Market risks and mitigations; - Barriers to participation; and - Opportunities to improve competition and value for money. At this stage, no procurement has commenced and no commitment is made regarding the future procurement strategy or timetable. The Client anticipates undertaking preliminary engagement during the pre-procurement phase before determining the final procurement structure and documentation. The engagement may include one or more of the following: - Supplier questionnaires; - Individual supplier meetings; - Requests for written feedback; - Draft document reviews; and - Other engagement activities deemed appropriate. Participation is voluntary. Interested organisations are invited to register their interest by emailing [email protected] and provide details of: - Organisation name; - Contact details; - Relevant experience in temporary workforce provision; - Experience operating single-supplier or managed service arrangements; and - Experience delivering services under NEC-based contracts, where applicable. Following registration, further information regarding engagement activities will be provided. This notice is issued solely for market engagement purposes and does not constitute a call for competition, a contract notice or an invitation to tender. Any future procurement will be conducted in accordance with applicable procurement legislation and will be advertised separately.