The Contracting Authority intends to establish a multi-supplier Framework Agreement for the provision of suitably qualified, experienced and compliant Agency Workers to meet temporary staffing requirements across a range of services and schemes operated by Apex Housing. The Framework Agreement for each Lot shall commence on the Commencement Date and shall continue for an initial period of two (2) years. The Contracting Authority shall have the option to extend the Framework Agreement by up to two (2) further periods of twelve (12) months (2+1+1). The Framework Agreement will facilitate the provision of Agency Workers for ad hoc, emergency and short-term assignments on an as-required basis. The requirements have been divided into the following Lots: • Lot 1 – Provision of Agency Nursing Staff • Lot 2 – Provision of Agency Care, Support and Ancillary Staff Each Lot will be assessed and awarded independently and will result in a separate Framework Agreement. Apex intends to appoint a maximum of three Suppliers to each Lot, based on their final ranking.

This Lot covers the provision of suitably qualified Agency Nursing Staff and Residential Officers to support nursing and residential care services operated by Apex Housing. Renewal: Framework may be extended for two additional 12 month periods.

This Lot covers the provision of suitably qualified and experienced Agency Care, Support and Ancillary Staff to provide temporary cover for ad hoc, emergency and short-term assignments across a range of services and schemes operated by Apex Housing. Renewal: Framework may be extended for two additional 12 month periods.

Estimated value: 17,000,000 GBP including VAT Lot 1 estimated value: 2,500,000 GBP including VAT Lot 2 estimated value: 14,500,000 GBP including VAT

Procurement Act 2023

Competitive flexible procedure

Light touch

The Framework Agreement will operate as a ranked multi-supplier framework. Up to three suppliers will be appointed to each Lot and ranked 1st, 2nd and 3rd based on the outcome of the tender evaluation. Where the Contracting Authority requires Agency Workers, assignments will be offered to the highest-ranked supplier in the first instance. If that supplier is unable to meet the requirement within the timescales specified in the Framework Agreement, the Contracting Authority may offer the assignment to the next-ranked supplier, and thereafter to the third-ranked supplier where necessary. No guarantee is given as to the volume or value of Services to be procured under the Framework Agreement.

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