{ "uri": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/api/1.0/ocdsRecordPackages/ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "publisher": { "name": "Cabinet Office", "scheme": "GB-GOR", "uid": "D2", "uri": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/cabinet-office" }, "publishedDate": "2026-04-01T16:21:45+01:00", "license": "http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3/", "publicationPolicy": "https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/open-contracting", "version": "1.1", "extensions": [ "https://standard.open-contracting.org/profiles/eu/latest/en/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_amendment_rationale_classifications_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_budget_breakdown_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_contract_completion_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_documentation_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_pagination_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/open-contracting-extensions/ocds_suitability_extension/master/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/portaledcahn/ocds_Links_extension/main/extension.json", "https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cabinetoffice/ocds_uk_extension/main/extension.json" ], "packages": [ "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/api/1.0/ocdsRecordPackages/ocds-h6vhtk-06006d" ], "records": [ { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "releases": [ { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "id": "000831-2026", "date": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "tag": [ "planning" ], "description": "The Authority has published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment.\nUnless otherwise specified in the MSP timeline available within the procurement portal, there is a minimum 14-day period for other suitably qualified and experienced providers to make themselves known in writing to the Authority.\nAll Potential Provider(s) who make themselves known to the Authority will be required to complete an MSP Response within the eProcurement Portal (https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html), testing whether they meet the Key Criteria, the Basic Selection Criteria and are not excluded or excludable providers under the Regulations. Organisations will need to register on the eProcurement Portal in order to complete an MSP Response.\nIf more than one provider meets the requirements, the Authority may either re-issue it's MSP Process or it may switch to a competitive process.\nIf the Authority's MSP Process indicates its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, it will proceed to award the contract (following the 14-day standstill period).\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR the Authority is maintaining a Conflicts of Interest Register for this Process and any conflicts / how they are managed will be published alongside the confirmation of the decision to select the MSP in due course.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Services covered by the arrangement may change and expand over the Contract Term. Examples of areas that could be varied into the Contract for future delivery are available within the MSP Process Pack.\nAny queries regarding this Process (including requests to complete an MSP Response) should be directed to the Named Contact in this Notice and the email address provided herein.", "initiationType": "tender", "tender": { "id": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical", "legalBasis": { "id": "32014L0024", "scheme": "CELEX" }, "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "planned", "classification": { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85000000", "description": "Health and social work services" }, "mainProcurementCategory": "services", "description": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considers an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believes it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority’s successor Essex ICB’s geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year. \nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3).", "value": { "amount": 570000, "currency": "GBP" }, "lots": [ { "id": "1", "description": "The Authority proposes to procure an Integrator organisation via the Most Suitable Provider Process (MSP) in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 9 February 2026 – 8 January 2028.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n•\tValidate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n•\tEstablish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n•\tEngage schools to promote service uptake.\n•\tRecruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n•\tEnsure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nFurther details are in Docs 3a and 3b – Specification.\nContractual Framework\n•\tThe Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n•\tSubcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n•\tDelivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator’s risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n•\tProvisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated aggregate value (including known modifications) is £570,000.\nImportant Notice for Potential Providers\nThe Authority will only consider organisations that:\n•\tMeet basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n•\tAre not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n•\tDemonstrate capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders must:\n•\tHave a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n•\tHold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n•\tDemonstrate a proven track record in: \no\tPartnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no\tCollaboration with independent and national opticians.\no\tWorking with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no\tCommissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n•\tEnsure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n•\tShow strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders must demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1.\tQuality and Innovation (20%)\no\tExperience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no\tProven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no\tInnovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no\tIntegration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no\tDelivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2.\tValue (20%)\no\tFinancial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no\tLeveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no\tCentralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no\tEvidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3.\tIntegration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no\tStrong relationships with local services and LOC.\no\tGovernance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4.\tAccess and Health Inequalities (20%)\no\tAccessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no\tContracting with independent and multiple practices.\no\tEnhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5.\tSocial Value (20%)\no\tCommitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no\tFunded clinical training for subcontractors.\no\tSubcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment.\nProviders unable to meet these criteria should not apply. The Authority will only consider organisations evidencing equivalent scale, governance, digital infrastructure, hospital integration, and reinvestment mechanisms. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3.", "status": "planned" } ], "items": [ { "id": "1", "additionalClassifications": [ { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85100000", "description": "Health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85120000", "description": "Medical practice and related services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121000", "description": "Medical practice services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121200", "description": "Medical specialist services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85140000", "description": "Miscellaneous health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85141000", "description": "Services provided by medical personnel" } ], "deliveryAddresses": [ { "region": "UKH3" } ], "deliveryLocation": { "description": "Mid and South Essex" }, "relatedLot": "1" } ], "communication": { "futureNoticeDate": "2026-01-06T00:00:00Z" } }, "parties": [ { "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "QH8" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "PO Box 6483", "locality": "Basildon", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "SS14 0UG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "http://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk", "buyerProfile": "https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html", "classifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE", "id": "BODY_PUBLIC", "description": "Body governed by public law" }, { "scheme": "COFOG", "id": "07", "description": "Health" } ] } } ], "buyer": { "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "language": "en" }, { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "id": "007340-2026", "date": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "tag": [ "award", "contract" ], "description": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract. \nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n•\tMet the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n•\tIs not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n•\tDemonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider—particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex—be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative’s involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member’s sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract’s essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change‑control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation.", "initiationType": "tender", "tender": { "id": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical", "legalBasis": { "id": "32014L0024", "scheme": "CELEX" }, "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "complete", "classification": { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85000000", "description": "Health and social work services" }, "mainProcurementCategory": "services", "description": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3).", "lots": [ { "id": "1", "description": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3.", "awardCriteria": { "criteria": [ { "name": "Most suitable provider process with regard to the key criteria", "type": "quality", "description": "100" }, { "type": "price", "description": "0" } ] }, "hasOptions": false, "status": "cancelled" } ], "items": [ { "id": "1", "additionalClassifications": [ { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85000000", "description": "Health and social work services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85120000", "description": "Medical practice and related services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121000", "description": "Medical practice services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121200", "description": "Medical specialist services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85140000", "description": "Miscellaneous health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85141000", "description": "Services provided by medical personnel" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85323000", "description": "Community health services" } ], "deliveryAddresses": [ { "region": "UKH3" } ], "deliveryLocation": { "description": "Mid and South Essex, West Essex and North East Essex" }, "relatedLot": "1" } ], "procurementMethod": "limited", "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition", "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL", "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE", "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive" } ], "procurementMethodRationale": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award 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. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight on 9th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR." }, "awards": [ { "id": "007340-2026-1", "relatedLots": [ "1" ], "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "active", "suppliers": [ { "id": "GB-FTS-172794", "name": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED" } ] } ], "parties": [ { "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "GB-FTS-172793", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "QH8" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Unit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road", "locality": "Basildon", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "SS14 3HG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/", "buyerProfile": "https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html", "classifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE", "id": "BODY_PUBLIC", "description": "Body governed by public law" }, { "scheme": "COFOG", "id": "07", "description": "Health" } ] } }, { "name": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED", "id": "GB-FTS-172794", "identifier": { "legalName": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED", "id": "06722353" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Waulk Mill (2.2) 51 Bengal Street", "locality": "Manchester", "region": "UKD33", "postalCode": "M4 6LN", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "info@primaryeyecare.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "supplier" ], "details": { "url": "https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/", "scale": "sme" } }, { "name": "Independent Choice and Procurement Panel", "id": "GB-FTS-114606", "identifier": { "legalName": "Independent Choice and Procurement Panel" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Wellington House", "locality": "London", "postalCode": "SE1 8UG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "roles": [ "reviewBody" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.england.nhs.uk" } }, { "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "GB-FTS-99647", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Unit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road", "locality": "Basildon", "postalCode": "SS14 3HG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "reviewContactPoint" ] } ], "buyer": { "id": "GB-FTS-172793", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "contracts": [ { "id": "007340-2026-1", "awardID": "007340-2026-1", "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "active", "value": { "amount": 570000, "currency": "GBP" }, "dateSigned": "2026-01-27T00:00:00Z" } ], "bids": { "statistics": [ { "id": "1", "measure": "bids", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 }, { "id": "2", "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 }, { "id": "3", "measure": "electronicBids", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 } ] }, "language": "en" }, { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "id": "012665-2026", "date": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "tag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "initiationType": "tender", "tender": { "id": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical", "legalBasis": { "id": "32014L0024", "scheme": "CELEX" }, "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "classification": { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85100000", "description": "Health services" }, "mainProcurementCategory": "services", "description": "This Corrigendum Notice is published to correct an inaccuracy in terminology used in the Intention to Award Notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.", "amendments": [ { "id": "1", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers non clinical programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement.\nThe Integrator Contract expressly excludes clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis, prescribing, clinical decision making and clinical record content, dispensing decisions, clinical equipment standards and clinical referral decision making (although the Integrator may coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting).\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. If the GOS arrangements are not in force, are suspended, or cannot be delivered at the required scale, the Provider must notify the Authority and implement mitigation. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement is intended to commence on by 28th February 2026 latest and run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £570,000 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:[AW1.1]\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } } ] } ] }, "parties": [ { "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "QH8" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "PO Box 6483", "locality": "Basildon", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "SS14 0UG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/" } } ], "buyer": { "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "language": "en" }, { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "id": "030540-2026", "date": "2026-04-01T16:21:43+01:00", "tag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "initiationType": "tender", "tender": { "id": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical", "legalBasis": { "id": "32014L0024", "scheme": "CELEX" }, "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "classification": { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85100000", "description": "Health services" }, "mainProcurementCategory": "services", "description": "This Corrigendum Notice is published to communicate that NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) have awarded an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nThis notice supersedes the previous notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nPursuant to the statutory changes effective from 1 April 2026, the commissioning responsibility for this service transferred from NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board to NHS Essex Integrated Care Board. Accordingly, the service constitutes an inherited commissioning arrangement arising directly from the organisational transition.", "amendments": [ { "id": "2", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3)." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement. The Integrator may also coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting.\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement commenced 27 March 2026 and will run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £763,478 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section V: Award", "label": "V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nQH8 \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nD7T5G\nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \n\n \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "where": { "section": "Section I: CA", "label": "I.1) Name and addresses" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "newValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority was able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore the Authority proceeded to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "where": { "section": "Section VI:", "label": "VI.3) Additional information" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "where": { "section": "VI.4)", "label": "VI.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained" } } ] } ] }, "parties": [ { "name": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "GB-FTS-179318", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "D7T5G" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Seax House Victoria Road South", "locality": "Chelmsford", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "CM1 1QH", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/" } } ], "buyer": { "id": "GB-FTS-179318", "name": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "language": "en" } ], "compiledRelease": { "tag": [ "compiled" ], "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d-2026-04-01T16:21:43+01:00", "date": "2026-04-01T16:21:43+01:00", "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "description": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract. \nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n•\tMet the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n•\tIs not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n•\tDemonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider—particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex—be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative’s involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member’s sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract’s essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change‑control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation.", "initiationType": "tender", "tender": { "id": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical", "legalBasis": { "id": "32014L0024", "scheme": "CELEX" }, "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "complete", "classification": { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85100000", "description": "Health services" }, "mainProcurementCategory": "services", "description": "This Corrigendum Notice is published to communicate that NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) have awarded an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nThis notice supersedes the previous notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nPursuant to the statutory changes effective from 1 April 2026, the commissioning responsibility for this service transferred from NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board to NHS Essex Integrated Care Board. Accordingly, the service constitutes an inherited commissioning arrangement arising directly from the organisational transition.", "value": { "amount": 570000, "currency": "GBP" }, "lots": [ { "id": "1", "description": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3.", "status": "cancelled", "awardCriteria": { "criteria": [ { "name": "Most suitable provider process with regard to the key criteria", "type": "quality", "description": "100" }, { "type": "price", "description": "0" } ] }, "hasOptions": false } ], "items": [ { "id": "1", "additionalClassifications": [ { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85000000", "description": "Health and social work services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85120000", "description": "Medical practice and related services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121000", "description": "Medical practice services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121200", "description": "Medical specialist services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85140000", "description": "Miscellaneous health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85141000", "description": "Services provided by medical personnel" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85323000", "description": "Community health services" } ], "deliveryAddresses": [ { "region": "UKH3" }, { "region": "UKH3" } ], "deliveryLocation": { "description": "Mid and South Essex, West Essex and North East Essex" }, "relatedLot": "1" } ], "communication": { "futureNoticeDate": "2026-01-06T00:00:00Z" }, "procurementMethod": "limited", "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition", "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL", "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE", "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive" } ], "procurementMethodRationale": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award 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. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight on 9th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.", "amendments": [ { "id": "1", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers non clinical programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement.\nThe Integrator Contract expressly excludes clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis, prescribing, clinical decision making and clinical record content, dispensing decisions, clinical equipment standards and clinical referral decision making (although the Integrator may coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting).\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. If the GOS arrangements are not in force, are suspended, or cannot be delivered at the required scale, the Provider must notify the Authority and implement mitigation. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement is intended to commence on by 28th February 2026 latest and run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £570,000 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:[AW1.1]\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } } ] }, { "id": "2", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3)." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement. The Integrator may also coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting.\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement commenced 27 March 2026 and will run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £763,478 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section V: Award", "label": "V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nQH8 \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nD7T5G\nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \n\n \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "where": { "section": "Section I: CA", "label": "I.1) Name and addresses" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "newValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority was able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore the Authority proceeded to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "where": { "section": "Section VI:", "label": "VI.3) Additional information" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "where": { "section": "VI.4)", "label": "VI.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained" } } ] } ] }, "parties": [ { "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "QH8" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "PO Box 6483", "locality": "Basildon", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "SS14 0UG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/", "buyerProfile": "https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html", "classifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE", "id": "BODY_PUBLIC", "description": "Body governed by public law" }, { "scheme": "COFOG", "id": "07", "description": "Health" } ] } }, { "id": "GB-FTS-172793", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "QH8" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Unit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road", "locality": "Basildon", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "SS14 3HG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/", "buyerProfile": "https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html", "classifications": [ { "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE", "id": "BODY_PUBLIC", "description": "Body governed by public law" }, { "scheme": "COFOG", "id": "07", "description": "Health" } ] } }, { "id": "GB-FTS-172794", "name": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED", "identifier": { "legalName": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED", "id": "06722353" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Waulk Mill (2.2) 51 Bengal Street", "locality": "Manchester", "region": "UKD33", "postalCode": "M4 6LN", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "info@primaryeyecare.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "supplier" ], "details": { "url": "https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/", "scale": "sme" } }, { "id": "GB-FTS-114606", "name": "Independent Choice and Procurement Panel", "identifier": { "legalName": "Independent Choice and Procurement Panel" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Wellington House", "locality": "London", "postalCode": "SE1 8UG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "roles": [ "reviewBody" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.england.nhs.uk" } }, { "id": "GB-FTS-99647", "name": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Unit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road", "locality": "Basildon", "postalCode": "SS14 3HG", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "reviewContactPoint" ] }, { "id": "GB-FTS-179318", "name": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board", "identifier": { "legalName": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board", "id": "D7T5G" }, "address": { "streetAddress": "Seax House Victoria Road South", "locality": "Chelmsford", "region": "UKH3", "postalCode": "CM1 1QH", "countryName": "United Kingdom" }, "contactPoint": { "email": "amy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "roles": [ "buyer" ], "details": { "url": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/" } } ], "buyer": { "id": "GB-FTS-179318", "name": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board" }, "language": "en", "awards": [ { "id": "007340-2026-1", "relatedLots": [ "1" ], "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "active", "suppliers": [ { "id": "GB-FTS-172794", "name": "PRIMARY EYECARE SERVICES LIMITED" } ] } ], "contracts": [ { "id": "007340-2026-1", "awardID": "007340-2026-1", "title": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People", "status": "active", "value": { "amount": 570000, "currency": "GBP" }, "dateSigned": "2026-01-27T00:00:00Z" } ], "bids": { "statistics": [ { "id": "1", "measure": "bids", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 }, { "id": "2", "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 }, { "id": "3", "measure": "electronicBids", "relatedLot": "1", "value": 1 } ] } }, "versionedRelease": { "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06006d", "description": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "The Authority has published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment.\nUnless otherwise specified in the MSP timeline available within the procurement portal, there is a minimum 14-day period for other suitably qualified and experienced providers to make themselves known in writing to the Authority.\nAll Potential Provider(s) who make themselves known to the Authority will be required to complete an MSP Response within the eProcurement Portal (https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html), testing whether they meet the Key Criteria, the Basic Selection Criteria and are not excluded or excludable providers under the Regulations. Organisations will need to register on the eProcurement Portal in order to complete an MSP Response.\nIf more than one provider meets the requirements, the Authority may either re-issue it's MSP Process or it may switch to a competitive process.\nIf the Authority's MSP Process indicates its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, it will proceed to award the contract (following the 14-day standstill period).\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR the Authority is maintaining a Conflicts of Interest Register for this Process and any conflicts / how they are managed will be published alongside the confirmation of the decision to select the MSP in due course.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Services covered by the arrangement may change and expand over the Contract Term. Examples of areas that could be varied into the Contract for future delivery are available within the MSP Process Pack.\nAny queries regarding this Process (including requests to complete an MSP Response) should be directed to the Named Contact in this Notice and the email address provided herein." }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract. \nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n•\tMet the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n•\tIs not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n•\tDemonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider—particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex—be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative’s involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member’s sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract’s essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change‑control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." } ], "initiationType": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "tender" } ], "tender": { "id": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "ACE-0849-MSE-SES Optical" } ], "legalBasis": { "id": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "32014L0024" } ], "scheme": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "CELEX" } ] }, "title": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for Children and Young People" } ], "status": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "planned" }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "complete" } ], "classification": { "scheme": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "CPV" } ], "id": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "85000000" }, { "releaseID": "012665-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": "85100000" } ], "description": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "Health and social work services" }, { "releaseID": "012665-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": "Health services" } ] }, "mainProcurementCategory": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "services" } ], "description": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considers an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believes it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority’s successor Essex ICB’s geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year. \nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3)." }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3)." }, { "releaseID": "012665-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": "This Corrigendum Notice is published to correct an inaccuracy in terminology used in the Intention to Award Notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023." }, { "releaseID": "030540-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-04-01T16:21:43+01:00", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": "This Corrigendum Notice is published to communicate that NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) have awarded an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nThis notice supersedes the previous notice published on 27 January 2026 in relation to NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board's intention to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. \nPursuant to the statutory changes effective from 1 April 2026, the commissioning responsibility for this service transferred from NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board to NHS Essex Integrated Care Board. Accordingly, the service constitutes an inherited commissioning arrangement arising directly from the organisational transition." } ], "value": { "amount": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": 570000 } ], "currency": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "GBP" } ] }, "lots": [ { "id": "1", "description": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "The Authority proposes to procure an Integrator organisation via the Most Suitable Provider Process (MSP) in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 9 February 2026 – 8 January 2028.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n•\tValidate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n•\tEstablish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n•\tEngage schools to promote service uptake.\n•\tRecruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n•\tEnsure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nFurther details are in Docs 3a and 3b – Specification.\nContractual Framework\n•\tThe Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n•\tSubcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n•\tDelivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator’s risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n•\tProvisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated aggregate value (including known modifications) is £570,000.\nImportant Notice for Potential Providers\nThe Authority will only consider organisations that:\n•\tMeet basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n•\tAre not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n•\tDemonstrate capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders must:\n•\tHave a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n•\tHold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n•\tDemonstrate a proven track record in: \no\tPartnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no\tCollaboration with independent and national opticians.\no\tWorking with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no\tCommissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n•\tEnsure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n•\tShow strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders must demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1.\tQuality and Innovation (20%)\no\tExperience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no\tProven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no\tInnovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no\tIntegration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no\tDelivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2.\tValue (20%)\no\tFinancial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no\tLeveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no\tCentralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no\tEvidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3.\tIntegration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no\tStrong relationships with local services and LOC.\no\tGovernance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4.\tAccess and Health Inequalities (20%)\no\tAccessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no\tContracting with independent and multiple practices.\no\tEnhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5.\tSocial Value (20%)\no\tCommitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no\tFunded clinical training for subcontractors.\no\tSubcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment.\nProviders unable to meet these criteria should not apply. The Authority will only consider organisations evidencing equivalent scale, governance, digital infrastructure, hospital integration, and reinvestment mechanisms. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3." }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment. Additional information: Further details can be found at sections VI.3." } ], "status": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "planned" }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "cancelled" } ], "awardCriteria": { "criteria": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": [ { "name": "Most suitable provider process with regard to the key criteria", "type": "quality", "description": "100" }, { "type": "price", "description": "0" } ] } ] }, "hasOptions": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": false } ] } ], "items": [ { "id": "1", "additionalClassifications": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": [ { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85100000", "description": "Health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85120000", "description": "Medical practice and related services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121000", "description": "Medical practice services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121200", "description": "Medical specialist services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85140000", "description": "Miscellaneous health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85141000", "description": "Services provided by medical personnel" } ] }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": [ { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85000000", "description": "Health and social work services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85120000", "description": "Medical practice and related services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121000", "description": "Medical practice services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85121200", "description": "Medical specialist services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85140000", "description": "Miscellaneous health services" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85141000", "description": "Services provided by medical personnel" }, { "scheme": "CPV", "id": "85323000", "description": "Community health services" } ] } ], "deliveryAddresses": [ { "region": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "UKH3" } ] }, { "region": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "UKH3" } ] } ], "deliveryLocation": { "description": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "Mid and South Essex" }, { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "Mid and South Essex, West Essex and North East Essex" } ] }, "relatedLot": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "1" } ] } ], "communication": { "futureNoticeDate": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "2026-01-06T00:00:00Z" } ] }, "procurementMethod": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "limited" } ], "procurementMethodDetails": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition" } ], "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": [ { "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL", "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE", "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive" } ] } ], "procurementMethodRationale": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award 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. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight on 9th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR." } ], "amendments": [ { "id": "1", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "releaseID": "012665-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers non clinical programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement.\nThe Integrator Contract expressly excludes clinical assessment, examination, diagnosis, prescribing, clinical decision making and clinical record content, dispensing decisions, clinical equipment standards and clinical referral decision making (although the Integrator may coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting).\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. If the GOS arrangements are not in force, are suspended, or cannot be delivered at the required scale, the Provider must notify the Authority and implement mitigation. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement is intended to commence on by 28th February 2026 latest and run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £570,000 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:[AW1.1]\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } } ] } ] }, { "id": "2", "unstructuredChanges": [ { "releaseID": "030540-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-04-01T16:21:43+01:00", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": [ { "oldValue": { "text": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) intends to award an Integrator contract to deliver the Special Educational Setting (SES) Sight Test Service for children and young people through local accredited optometry practices, following a Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023.\nChildren under 16 (or up to 19 in full-time education) are entitled to free NHS eye tests, but pupils in special education schools face barriers to access. A successful NHS England pilot demonstrated benefits of delivering sight tests and advice in school settings. The NHS Long Term Plan committed to this service for residential settings, extended in 2023 to day schools. Funding is now recurrently allocated to ICBs from 2025/26.\nThe ICB considered an integrator model most suitable, where a lead organisation coordinates and performance-manages local optometrists rather than the ICB holding multiple contracts. This approach supports Essex-specific partnerships, supply chain accountability, integration, measurable value, and social impact. In applying the Process, the Authority has assessed the five Key Criteria and reviewed NHSE pre-market engagement data to confirm provider capability and local connections. Based on this, the Authority believed it can identify the MSP without a competitive process.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nFurther details are available in sections II.2.4), II.2.14), and VI.3)." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe scope of the service is to deliver sight tests for pupils attending special education schools across Essex (including activity associated with the Authority's successor Essex ICB's geographical footprint which covers North East Essex and West Essex also). There are an estimated 4,400 pupils in total across Essex within these schools and the service is based on an assumed uptake of 80%, equating to approximately 3520 sight tests per year.\nThe SES Programme will operate through two interdependent contractual arrangements with the same Provider:\n1) an NHS Standard Contract for Provision of Non Clinical Services (the “Integrator Contract”) covering mobilisation, coordination, governance and oversight, digital infrastructure, performance reporting and system integration functions; and\n2) a separate General Ophthalmic Services contract and associated directions (the “GOS Contract”) governing the clinical sight testing and dispensing service delivered in special educational settings in accordance with the NHS England national commissioning standard and service specification.\nThe Integrator Contract covers programme management and operational infrastructure, including school engagement and session scheduling, consent workflow administration and audit trail support (the Service operates an opt in consent approach in line with the national specification; clinical responsibility for consent remains under the GOS Contract), provision/management of a secure digital platform for booking, consent status tracking and reporting dashboards, subcontractor network coordination and assurance (including workforce assurance evidence required by the GOS Contract), incident/near miss reporting routes and complaints coordination/escalation, KPI reporting, activity and financial reconciliation, and continuous improvement. The Integrator may also coordinate operational aspects of referral communications and tracking for reporting.\nThe Authority will fund the Integrator Service via a block payment under the Integrator Contract. The block payment funds (a) integrator functions and (b) agreed pass through amounts used by the Provider to remunerate itself and/or delivery partners engaged under the GOS Contract. The Provider will submit claims under the GOS Contract as the agreed mechanism for evidencing clinical activity and administering payments to delivery partners from within the block funded envelope, with transparent reconciliation separating integrator costs from clinical remuneration.\nThe Integrator Service is operationally dependent on the GOS Contract being in place and functioning. The two contracts will interface through an agreed responsibility matrix / Integrator Overlay Specification covering governance, reporting and escalation." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.4) Short description" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "This notice is an intention to award a contract under the most suitable provider process in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime 2023 (PSR). The contract will be a block contract commencing 10 February 2026 - 9 February 2028. This is a new service, and a new provider of such service in Mid and South Essex.\nScope and Responsibilities\nThe Integrator will:\n• Validate pupil numbers and financial assumptions during mobilisation.\n• Establish IT systems and reporting mechanisms.\n• Engage schools to promote service uptake.\n• Recruit and train subcontractors (optometrists).\n• Ensure delivery of annual sight tests for pupils in special education schools across Essex.\nContractual Framework\n• The Integrator contract will use the Standard NHS Contract (short form), covering all performance and risk requirements.\n• Subcontractor agreements will be governed by the General Ophthalmic Services (GOS) Contract, per the national model.\n• Delivered under a block funding model, capped at NHS England allocation. Activity above the cap is at the Integrator's risk; underspend will be reinvested into service improvement.\n• Provisions allow permitted modifications under Regulations and NHS Standard Contract change control. Known future modification: geographic expansion beyond Mid and South Essex to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nEstimated Value\nThe estimated lifetime value (including known modifications) of the contract is £570,000.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met basic selection criteria (Reg 19).\n• Are not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5).\nBasic Selection Criteria\nProviders needed to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including subcontracting.\n• Ensure compliance with specification and contract terms across subcontractors, operating within the fixed tariff of at least £85 per sight test.\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey Criteria Assessment\nProviders needed to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "newValue": { "text": "NHS Essex Integrated Care Board (the Authority) has awarded a contract, following a Most Suitable Provider process under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, for provision of an Integrator Service to support the Special Educational Settings (SES) Sight Testing Programme for children and young people across Essex.\nThe contract arrangement commenced 27 March 2026 and will run for 24 months, with permitted modifications managed through NHS change control, including a known potential future modification for geographic expansion to the wider Essex ICB footprint.\nThe estimated lifetime value of the contract arrangement (i.e., the combined capped service envelope across both complementary contracts, including known modifications) is £763,478 (excluding VAT). \nFor avoidance of doubt, the Capped Envelope is a single financial cap for the overall service model; the two contracts dovetail operationally through an agreed responsibility matrix which sets out governance, reporting, escalation and interfaces between the integrator functions within the NHS Provision of Services Contract and the GOS clinical delivery contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Regulation 19).\n• Were not excluded or excludable (Regulation 20).\n• Demonstrated capability against the five key criteria (Regulation 5).\nBasic selection criteria:\nProviders were required to:\n• Have a General Optical Council (GOC)-registered optometrist in senior leadership.\n• Hold an existing local contract for ease of mobilisation.\n• Demonstrate a proven track record in:\no Partnerships with local accredited optometry practices.\no Collaboration with independent and national opticians.\no Working with the Local Optical Committee (LOC).\no Commissioning and managing NHS eye care services, including managing multi provider delivery networks and associated contractual / engagement arrangement\no Ensure compliance with specification and contract requirements across locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners.\no Demonstrate an approach to delivering the required activity within the overall capped envelope, including the provider’s internal assumptions for per test remuneration to locally engaged practitioners and delivery partners (as applicable).\n• Show strong experience of and understanding of the GOS contract and governance.\nKey criteria assessment:\nProviders were required to demonstrate capability across five areas:\n1. Quality and Innovation (20%)\no Experience delivering large-scale community eye care.\no Proven model integrating independent and multiple practices with robust assurance.\no Innovative digital platforms for referral and coordination.\no Integration with hospital ophthalmology services.\no Delivery of enhanced services (e.g., MECS, post-cataract care, glaucoma monitoring).\n2. Value (20%)\no Financial model reinvesting into NHS eye care.\no Leveraging local infrastructure to minimise costs.\no Centralised contracting and IT systems for efficiency.\no Evidence of cost savings through reduced hospital reliance.\n3. Integration, Collaboration, Sustainability (20%)\no Strong relationships with local services and LOC.\no Governance structures to sustain delivery across diverse networks.\n4. Access and Health Inequalities (20%)\no Accessible care close to home, including rural areas.\no Contracting with independent and multiple practices.\no Enhanced services for vulnerable groups.\n5. Social Value (20%)\no Commitment to reinvestment, workforce development, and local economic resilience.\no Funded clinical training for subcontractors.\no Subcontracting model supporting local economies and sustainable employment." }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.2.4) Description of the procurement" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section II: Object", "label": "II.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "570000" }, "newValue": { "text": "763478" }, "where": { "section": "Section V: Award", "label": "V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot (excluding VAT)" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nQH8 \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nValue of the field: \nNational registration number\n\n \nNational registration number: \nD7T5G\nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \n\n \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk \nMain address: (URL) \nhttps://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/ \nAddress of the buyer profile: (URL) \nhttps://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" }, "where": { "section": "Section I: CA", "label": "I.1) Name and addresses" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority is able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore will proceed to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "newValue": { "text": "The Authority published a Transparency Notice announcing its intention to follow the MSP process, based on the output of its MSP assessment, on 06/01/2026. The Authority observed a 14-day period to ensure suitably qualified and experienced providers could make themselves known in writing to the Authority. The Authority's MSP Process indicated its initial analysis was correct and the Authority was able to identify the most suitable provider without competition, and therefore the Authority proceeded to award the contract.\nThe Authority only considered organisations that:\n• Met the basic selection criteria (Reg 19) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement\n• Is not excluded or excludable (Reg 20).\n• Demonstrated capability across the five key criteria (Reg 5) as described at II.2.4) Description of the procurement.\nThe decision makers for this MSP Process were NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board Executive Team.\nIn accordance with Regulation 21 of the PSR, the Authority has maintained a Conflicts of Interest (COI) Register throughout this Process. A perceived, indirect professional conflict was identified for one project team member who also serves on the Essex Local Optometry Committee (LOC), which represents all Optical Contractors in Essex. This raised a potential perception of conflict should a local provider-particularly one participating in enhanced services across Essex-be awarded a contract via the MSP Process. All project team members completed COI declarations, which were duly recorded. No member of the team, including the LOC representative, had any financial interests in optical practices, held roles within provider organisations, or stood to gain any remuneration linked to procurement outcomes. The LOC representative's involvement was limited to representing practices at a local professional level. Mitigations were clearly documented, monitored throughout the Process, and updated upon receipt of MSP responses. Following review, the Authority determined that the declared interest presented a low or negligible risk. The mitigations in place were sufficient to manage any perceived conflict, and the LOC member's sector expertise and understanding of the provider landscape were considered essential to ensuring a robust and informed MSP Process.\nIn accordance with Regulation 13 of PSR, Modification of contracts during their term, the Authority may introduce contract modifications during the contract term, provided these changes remain proportionate, aligned with the original scope, and do not alter the contract's essential nature, risk profile, or core systems. Such changes will follow NHS Standard Contract change control processes. A summary of the information that was available and published in the MSP Process documentation follows:\n-Adding complementary services or expanding delivery within the Essex ICB area.\n-Adjusting funding or tariffs in response to demand or national policy.\n-Updating delivery models, including subcontracting and payment structures.\n-Changes to workforce requirements, skills, and training.\n-Operational flexibility at school level and KPI updates.\n-Enhancements to governance, social value commitments, and regulatory compliance.\n-Provisions for exit, continuity, and handling changes in organisational footprint or novation." }, "where": { "section": "Section VI:", "label": "VI.3) Additional information" } }, { "oldValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nUnit 10 Phoenix Court, Christopher Martin Road \nTown: \nBasildon \nPostal code: \nSS14 3HG \nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "newValue": { "text": "Official name: \nNHS Essex Integrated Care Board \nPostal address: \nSeax House Victoria Road South \nTown: \nChelmsford\nNUTS code: \nUKH3 \nPostal code: \nCM1 1QH\nCountry: \nUnited Kingdom\n\n \nE-mail: \namy.wilson@attain.co.uk" }, "where": { "section": "VI.4)", "label": "VI.4.4) Service from which information about the review procedure may be obtained" } } ] } ] } ] }, "parties": [ { "id": "GB-FTS-140989", "name": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" } ], "identifier": { "legalName": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" } ], "id": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "QH8" } ] }, "address": { "streetAddress": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", 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"000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "http://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk" }, { "releaseID": "012665-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-02-12T08:44:36Z", "releaseTag": [ "tenderUpdate" ], "value": "https://www.midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/" } ], "buyerProfile": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": "https://attain.ukp.app.jaggaer.com/web/login.html" } ], "classifications": [ { "releaseID": "000831-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-06T16:55:12Z", "releaseTag": [ "planning" ], "value": [ { "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE", "id": "BODY_PUBLIC", "description": "Body governed by public law" }, { "scheme": "COFOG", "id": "07", "description": "Health" } ] } ] } }, { "id": "GB-FTS-172793", "name": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "NHS Mid and South Essex Integrated Care Board" } ], "identifier": { 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"region": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "UKD33" } ], "postalCode": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "M4 6LN" } ], "countryName": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "United Kingdom" } ] }, "contactPoint": { "email": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "info@primaryeyecare.co.uk" } ] }, "roles": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": [ "supplier" ] } ], "details": { "url": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", "releaseDate": "2026-01-27T20:07:48Z", "releaseTag": [ "award", "contract" ], "value": "https://primaryeyecare.co.uk/" } ], "scale": [ { "releaseID": "007340-2026", 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