This Contract Notice pertains to a Flexible Framework for Fostering and Continuing Care Services 0924. The Flexible Framework will support local authorities to access nurturing family homes for children and young people who are care experienced. For more detail- see CONTRACT NOTICE ATTACHMENT (per III.1.4).

IMPORTANT NOTE: The specific requirements and evaluation approaches applicable to this process are set out in the Procurement Documents. Tenderers should note that their tender may be excluded in whole or in part if it does not meet the published selection requirements or Minimum Quality Threshold. This Tender process is subject to the Law and Guidance applicable in Scotland relative to the award of public contracts (without limitation) as set out in the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015. As such, this Notice relates to the use of a procedure based upon the Open Procedure to establish a Flexible Framework with variations as permitted under the Regulations. In particular, once established, subject to the terms of the Flexible Framework, there may be opportunities for admission of new entrants and existing providers may apply to vary their service offering (see the Procurement Documents for full details). Reference within this Contract Notice to a "lot" or "lots" is a reference to a "Service Option" as further described in the Procurement Documents. In line with the contract conditions, should any of the defined terms, procedures or any other regulated matter become subject to any change in the Law, resulting in any change to the defined terms, or to the manner in which such procedures or other matters require to be dealt with, then such changes shall take precedence over that contained in the Flexible Framework. Scotland Excel, as a central purchasing body, is procuring this framework for the use and benefit of its members namely 32 local authorities in Scotland, Tayside Contracts, associate members, together with any Integration Authority, or other body, established pursuant to the Public Bodies (Joint Working) (Scotland) Act 2014. Scotland Excel local authority members and associate members entitled to use this framework, are listed at http://www.scotlandexcel.org.uk/home/Aboutus/Ourmembers/Our_members.aspx Tenderers are advised that whether electronic ordering, invoicing and payment will be used or accepted is at the discretion of each contracting authority entitled to use this proposed framework agreement. This will be settled by them at point of use. Scotland Excel have provided a webinar link providing tendering guidance for suppliers in relation to all Scotland Excel frameworks that are advertised on the PCS-T portal. Link (http://www.scotland-excel.org.uk/home/Suppliers/Tendering-process.aspx) The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 27566. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 27566. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343 The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason: Tenderers will be required to confirm whether they intend to subcontract any share of the contract to third parties and, if so, to complete relevant sections of the SPD for each subcontractor. Tenderers should note that the contract does not permit the Provider to sub-contract any part of the Service for which the Provider requires to hold a regulatory registration. Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/ A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: In accordance with section 25(3) of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 note that, Scotland Excel intends to include community benefit requirements. As part of you response within the Technical Envelope, bidders will be requested to commit to delivery of community benefits in accordance with the methodology outlined in the tender documents. (SC Ref:834291)

As further detailed in the procurement documents Service Option 1 - Standard Service pertains to the provision of Fostering and Continuing Care Services for children and young people whose needs can be met within a stable family setting with routine support. The anticipated value is estimated and may be subject to change. There is no guarantee of any business, use, level of use or continuity of business through the Flexible Framework. The Award Criteria is Quality/Weighting 80 Price/Weighting 20. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Regulations. Please see the Invitation to Tender contained on the PCS-Tender project relevant to this procurement and the other Procurement Documents for further information.

As further detailed in the procurement documents Service Option 2 "Enhanced Service" pertains to the provision of Fostering and Continuing Care Services where foster placements support children and young people who have been assessed as requiring additional health, emotional or psychological related support through increased level of carer skill and professional expertise. The anticipated value is estimated and may be subject to change. There is no guarantee of any business, use, level of use or continuity of business through the Flexible Framework. Additional information: Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in any of the situations referred to in Regulation 58 of the Regulations. Please see the Invitation to Tender contained on the PCS-Tender project relevant to this procurement and the other Procurement Documents for further information.

Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)

Open procedure

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