Special Allocations Service in Buckinghamshire
NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care BoardEstimated Value
Up to £463,920
Deadline
6 October 2026
39 days remaining
Published
25 August 2026
Type
services
Overview
Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is recommissioning the following service, with a proposed contract commencement date of 1 April 2027: • Special Allocations Service (SAS) provision for Buckinghamshire (sub-ICB area) - currently supporting approximately 30-35 patients. The contract term is 5 years, with the option to extend for up to a further 5 years.
This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner (the ICB). Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) is recommissioning a Special Allocations Service (SAS) for the Buckinghamshire sub-ICB area, with a proposed contract commencement date of 1 April 2027.
The Special Allocations Service supports patients who meet the nationally defined criteria for inclusion within SAS arrangements and require primary medical services to be delivered. The current service supports approximately 30-35 patients across Buckinghamshire.
Additional details
The contract term will be 5 years, with the option to extend up to a further 5 years. The contract value is £46,392 per annum (excluding VAT), with a total contract value of £463,920 (excluding VAT) for the lifetime of the contract.
The anticipated mobilisation period is expected to run from 1 February 2027 to 31 March 2027, ahead of the proposed service commencement date of 1 April 2027. Interested providers will be able to view this opportunity via the live opportunities list on the 'Health Family' e-procurement system, Atamis.
Click on 'View our Live Opportunities' from the home page, available on the following link: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. This procurement is being managed by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.
SCW is currently undergoing organisational restructuring and, as a result, responsibility for managing this procurement may transfer to a successor organisation during the procurement process. Bidders will be notified of any such change and of any associated administrative updates.
AI Analysis
Powered by AI — always verify against official documents
Thames Valley ICB is looking for a provider to run the Special Allocations Service in Buckinghamshire, delivering primary medical care for about 30‑35 patients, starting 1 April 2027 for up to 5 years.
Requirements
- Provider must meet the nationally defined criteria for Special Allocations Service inclusion
- Provider must be able to deliver primary medical services to SAS patients in the Buckinghamshire sub‑ICB area
- Compliance with NHS England standards and any relevant clinical governance requirements
Key Tasks & Deliverables
- Deliver the Special Allocations Service for approximately 30‑35 patients in Buckinghamshire
- Provide all required primary medical care as defined by national SAS criteria
- Mobilise the service between 1 Feb 2027 and 31 Mar 2027 before the start date
- Manage the contract for an initial 5‑year term, with a possible 5‑year extension
How to Read This Tender
- 1Check the ‘Health Family’ e‑procurement portal (Atamis) for the full tender pack – the short description here omits detailed specifications
- 2Look for sections titled ‘Eligibility’, ‘Scope of Work’ and ‘Commercial Terms’ – they will spell out the exact clinical and administrative standards you must meet
- 3Note the mobilisation period dates; you’ll need to have staff and processes in place before 1 April 2027
- 4Pay attention to the note about the procurement manager possibly changing – keep contact details up‑to‑date to avoid missing updates
- 5The contract value (£46,392 per year) is modest, but the NHS often requires evidence of financial and clinical capability – be ready to provide those documents
Tips for Small Businesses
- Consider partnering with a local GP practice or community health provider to meet the clinical staffing requirement without needing a large team
- Highlight any social value you can bring, such as employing local residents or using sustainable travel for staff – NHS scoring often rewards this
- If the procurement is transferred to a successor organisation, stay alert to any new submission deadlines or document changes
Likely incumbents
Suppliers who won similar work from this buyer in the last 5 years.
- 1
Better Health Bucks C.I.C
- 2
Berkshire Autistic Society (Autism Berkshire)
- 3
The Eye Academy (Richmond) Ltd
- 4
SOPS Healthcare Ltd
Better Health Bucks C.I.C is the most likely incumbent based on recency and category match. To win, bidders typically need a clearly differentiated proposition or a price advantage.
Before you bid, buyers check
two years of filed accountsyour financial standingturnover vs contract valueyour Companies House recordcash flow for 30-day termscredit scores and ratios
Actions
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Buyer Profile
NHS Thames Valley Integrated Care BoardKey Dates
Published
25 August 2026
Submission deadline
6 October 2026
Notice type
tender
Source
find a tender
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