Day Opportunity Services for Adults with Learning Disabilities - Open Framework

Portsmouth City Council ('the council') has awarded an Open Framework Agreement for the provision of learning disability (LD) day services and opportunities based predominantly in the Portsmouth area but may also extend to surrounding areas. The Council currently spends approximately £6,100,000 per annum on LD day services and opportunities which currently support 305 residents.

The total Open Framework Agreement value is currently estimated to be £6.1m per annum, £48.8m over the 8-year term. This is based on current contracted activity so actual spend may fall below or above these estimated figures.

Learning disability day opportunity services available on the Open Framework Agreement will enable people with a learning disability to learn new skills, take part in meaningful activities which are outcomes focused, build relationships, and improve health and wellbeing outside of their home environment. They also provide families and carers with time to undertake tasks not possible whilst fulfilling a carer role, such as allowing family members to work, other essential living or alternative carer tasks.

The provision of Learning Disabilities Day Opportunity Services is to support people to achieve meaningful life outcomes based around four key outcome areas; Health, Independence, Community, and Employment. This outcome focus also supports long term efficiencies as people become healthier, more independent and are supported to both contribute to, and gain support from, their communities.

This opportunity is open to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and micro providers (for example a provider could apply to support 1 or 2 clients) as well as larger regional and national providers. In establishing this Open Framework Agreement, the council are aiming to create a diverse and varied 'high-street' of services and opportunities for individuals to access.

The Open Framework Agreement will be operational for a period of 8 years from 1st November 2024 to 31st October 2032. Providers will be able to apply to join, or add new services to, the Open Framework Agreement any time during the 8-year framework period.

Although the Open Framework Agreement will remain open to applications, these will only be viewed and assessed twice per year for entry in April and October each year. There will be no limit to the number of providers who can join the Open Framework Agreement throughout its duration.

However, the Council reserves the right to close the Open Framework Agreement to new entrants at any time, giving 3 months' notice via a Modification Notice to the original Find a Tender Service Contract Notice and updating the framework advert on both Contracts Finder and the council's e-sourcing system. Closure may be on a temporary or permanent basis and will be clearly stated in the updated notices and adverts.

The Open Framework Agreement will be used for placements of individuals, which in some cases will together form a block contract, commissioned via the Further Competition or Direct Award call-off processes. Placements of individuals will be on a meet or beat Open Framework Agreement rate basis. Any Block 'call-off' contracts will be competed for on a quality and cost basis separate to the Framework rates.