Tender

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to NHS England South East

  • NHS England

F02: Contract notice

Notice identifier: 2024/S 000-013156

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-043c07

Published 23 April 2024, 2:20pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

NHS England

London

Contact

Rebecca Rogers

Email

scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UKI - London

Justification for not providing organisation identifier

Not on any register

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.england.nhs.uk

Buyer's address

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

one.3) Communication

The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address

Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Body governed by public law

one.5) Main activity

Health


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) to NHS England South East

Reference number

C251343

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

NHS England, the Offices of the Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCCs) and Police Forces within the South East are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

NHS England is the lead commissioner for these services.

This procurement is divided into 5 lots and covers the following areas:

Lot 1: Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight)

Lot 2: Kent

Lot 3: Surrey

Lot 4: Sussex

Lot 5: Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes)

Due to its geography, it is proposed that there will be two SARC premises in Thames Valley. For all other areas, one SARC premises is proposed.

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

At present, there is considerable variation in service provision across the SARCs, not only with regard to the age and needs of service users, but also in relation to activity, service specification, and referral pathways.

The recommissioning exercise will aim to increase equity of access and ensure a consistent and high standard of quality care to victims of sexual assault. The service will be delivered in line with current national standards, guidance and best practice, and at the same time meet the local needs of each Force area.

The Provider will ensure that services are delivered in an age-appropriate way for children and adults; all staff must meet the skills and competences commensurate with the role they are performing. The service should consider safeguarding, health and forensic requirements in line with current and relevant guidelines.

For the avoidance of doubt, Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) services and therapeutic provision including counselling and talking therapies, will be out of scope. However, the SARC provider/s will work closely with these services and ensure service users are referred to onward provision as appropriate.

The contract term will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

NHS England are also commissioning SARC services within Dorset, this procurement is running to the same timeline as the South East to encourage and facilitate bidders to submit bids for both regions. Please search for 'Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARCs) in Dorset to NHS England South West' to see the relevant advert.

TUPE will apply to this procurement.

This exercise is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner(s).

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £49,714,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: Yes

Tenders may be submitted for all lots

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight)

Lot No

1

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ3 - Hampshire and Isle of Wight

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Hampshire and Isle of Wight SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

84

This contract is subject to renewal

Yes

Description of renewals

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Kent

Lot No

2

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ4 - Kent

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Kent Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Kent lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Kent SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: £9,041,000

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

84

This contract is subject to renewal

Yes

Description of renewals

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Surrey

Lot No

3

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Surrey and Surrey Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Surrey lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Surrey SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: £9,041,000

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

84

This contract is subject to renewal

Yes

Description of renewals

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Sussex

Lot No

4

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ2 - Surrey, East and West Sussex

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) and Sussex Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Sussex lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Sussex SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: £9,041,000

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

84

This contract is subject to renewal

Yes

Description of renewals

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No

two.2) Description

two.2.1) Title

Thames Valley (excluding Milton Keynes)

Lot No

5

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 85100000 - Health services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKJ1 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

NHS England, the Office of the Police Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Thames Valley and Thames Valley Police are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) provision for both adults (18 years and over) and children (under 18 years).

The services within scope, include core SARC provision, including, SARC management, the provision of medical and forensic examinations (both acute and non-recent), crisis support and onward referral services for people who have experienced sexual assault. It should be noted that non-recent cases will not necessarily need to be undertaken at the (accredited) SARC site.

Please refer to the Thames Valley lot information pack included within the tender documents for more information.

The contract term for Thames Valley SARC services will commence on 1st April 2025 and will be fixed for a duration of seven years.

TUPE will apply.

two.2.5) Award criteria

Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents

two.2.6) Estimated value

Value excluding VAT: £13,550,000

two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system

Duration in months

84

This contract is subject to renewal

Yes

Description of renewals

Subject to renewal at the end of the initial contract term.

two.2.10) Information about variants

Variants will be accepted: No

two.2.11) Information about options

Options: No


Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information

three.1) Conditions for participation

three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers

List and brief description of conditions

Registrations with professional bodies, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV).

three.1.2) Economic and financial standing

Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.1) Type of procedure

Open procedure

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes

four.2) Administrative information

four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure

Notice number: 2024/S 000-005754

four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate

Date

24 June 2024

Local time

12:00pm

four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted

English

four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender

Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)

four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders

Date

24 June 2024

Local time

12:01pm


Section six. Complementary information

six.1) Information about recurrence

This is a recurrent procurement: Yes

six.3) Additional information

Interested providers will be able to view this opportunity via the live opportunities list on the 'Health Family' e-procurement system, Atamis. Click on 'View our Live Opportunities' from the home page, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.

Once you have found the opportunity (via the search function, using the title or reference number), to gain full access to the bid documentation (including questionnaires), you will need to click on 'Register interest' - this will take you to the log-in page.

If you are not already registered on the system, you will need to do so before gaining full access to the documentation and be able to submit a bid.

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.

six.4) Procedures for review

six.4.1) Review body

NHS England

London

Country

United Kingdom