Swansea Bay University Health Board undertook a preliminary market engagement exercise in relation to the proposed procurement of Specialist Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Patient Transport Services. The engagement was carried out to gain market intelligence on service delivery models, pricing structures, and potential opportunities for value for money. Information gathered through the exercise will be used to develop the procurement strategy and service specification for the planned procurement process. The preliminary market engagement exercise was undertaken exclusively to inform the Health Board's understanding of the market and support the development of the procurement strategy, service specification, and tender documentation. Participation in the exercise does not confer any advantage or disadvantage in any subsequent procurement process, and all suppliers will be afforded equal treatment during the formal tender exercise.

Procurement Act 2023

A market engagement exercise was undertaken with incumbent providers and other known providers operating within the specialist mental health patient transport sector. Suppliers were requested to provide informal pricing against a series of representative patient journey scenarios and to submit details of their current pricing structures, together with any preferential rates, discounts, or cost-saving proposals that could be offered. Suppliers were also provided with information regarding the Health Board’s Priority Supplier Programme (PSP) and invited to indicate their interest in participation. The information received will be used to inform the procurement strategy, service specification, commercial model, and evaluation approach for the forthcoming tender exercise.