Scope
Description
This specification sets out the requirements for provision of an 11-bedded community-based mental health Crisis and Step-Down Service at Kelvin Grove, Rothsay Road, Bedford. The model provides a short-stay, trauma-informed alternative to hospital admission and facilitates timely discharge from inpatient settings.
The service will work closely with mental health services across Bedfordshire and Luton provided by East London NHS Foundation Trust (ELFT). It will be an integrated and a critical part of the wider Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) pathway across Mental Health services, supporting admission avoidance, flow and discharge, enables more service users to be managed outside of acute inpatient mental health settings
The key aim of the service is to provide an alternative for admission for people who are at risk of admission but can be supported outside of a mental health hospital setting.
• Crisis Alternative: Provide safe, 24/7 short-stay support to avoid unnecessary hospital admission.
• Discharge Enabler: Provide step-down capacity for individuals ready to leave acute wards but not yet ready for independent living.
• Recovery Focus: Embed Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs) and relational security.
• System Integration: Operate as part of a whole-system approach with Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team (CRHTT), Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT), Inpatient Wards, and other crisis alternatives e.g. Recovery Lounges etc.
Total value (estimated)
- £268,000 excluding VAT
- £3,216,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
2 x 12 month
Options
The right to additional purchases while the contract is valid.
2 x 12 month extension available, detail are highlighted in the ITT
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
17 November 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
17 November 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
please submit require documents as detailed in the ITT
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
17 December 2025
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Quality and price | Quality | 100.00% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
PSR competitive process
Contracting authority
East London NHS Foundation Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PQBH-7734-VGLG
9 Alie Street
London
E1 8DE
United Kingdom
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government