Scope
Description
Community Equipment for older or disabled people provides the gateway to their independence, dignity and self-esteem. Providing appropriate equipment and technology are fundamental components in the whole health and social care system.
Community equipment has the potential to improve the lives of the local population and support Bromley's 'Prevention' agenda. It supports people to remain as independent as possible, for as long as possible. It is also valued by carers, as a key support for their work, and it is central to effective rehabilitation - improving quality of life, reducing morbidity at costs that are very low compared to other forms of healthcare. By providing equipment and support, ICES can help reduce hospital admissions and the need for more expensive care options, ultimately saving costs for health and social care services.
Integrated Community Equipment services (ICES) in LB Bromley are procured through the membership of the London Consortium, which consists of 21 local authorities and is led by the 'Bi-Borough' - Westminster City Council and the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
The Integrated Community Equipment Service (ICES) provides equipment to help people live safely and independently at home. This can include simple aids like walking sticks or raised toilet seats, as well as more complex items like beds and hoists. The service encompasses sourcing, purchasing, delivering, installing, collecting, cleaning, recycling, servicing, maintaining, repairing, and storing equipment. ICES aims to prevent hospital admissions and support early hospital discharge.
ICES acquires both standard and specialized equipment to meet individual needs. ICES services ensure the equipment is delivered and set up properly in the user's home.
When equipment is no longer needed, ICES arranges for its collection, cleaning, and either recycling or refurbishment. They also handle the servicing, maintenance, and repair of the equipment to ensure it remains in good working order.
Contract 1. Integrated Community Equipment Service
Supplier
Contract value
- £5,930,000 excluding VAT
- £7,116,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
19 August 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2025 to 31 August 2027
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products
Contract locations
- UKI61 - Bromley
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Extreme and unavoidable urgency
A contract is being awarded in accordance with section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 ("PA 2023") because of extreme and unavoidable urgency.
Pursuant to the Care Act 2014, the Council has a statutory duty to provide the integrated community equipment and telecare services (the "Services").
The existing provider of integrated community equipment services ceased trading on the 31st July 2025 and therefore ceased providing the Services to the Council. This was unforeseen and outside of the control of the Council.
This means that it is necessary for the Council to urgently award a replacement contract to secure continuity of critical statutory Services in Bromley.
This is an exceptional situation where extreme urgency has been brought about by events unforeseeable and not attributable by the Council, making it impossible for the Council to conduct a regulated competitive tendering process within prescribed time limits due to the requirement to secure continuity of critical statutory Services.
The Council have considered all options and taken independent advice and have concluded that there is insufficient time and that it is impossible to run a competitive tendering procedure (even on an accelerated basis, or otherwise a call-off from a framework agreement) in time to ensure continuity of the Services.
The contract period will allow time for the Council to prepare a competitive procurement exercise for a long-term solution, and mobilise the resultant contract.
Supplier
Inspire Community Trust
- Companies House: 05296168
130-136 Maidstone Road
Sidcup
DA14 5HS
United Kingdom
Email: enquiry@inspiremedicare.org
Region: UKI51 - Bexley and Greenwich
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): Yes
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): Yes
Contract 1. Integrated Community Equipment Service
Contracting authority
London Borough of Bromley
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBBG-1282-YCXD
Bromley Civic Centre, Churchill Court, 2 Westmoreland Road
Bromley
BR1 1DP
United Kingdom
Email: procurement@bromley.gov.uk
Region: UKI61 - Bromley
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government