Urgent Community Response Service – NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (Kirklees Health and Care Partnership)

This is a notice to inform the market of the intention to award a contract for Kirklees Urgent Community Response Service for the population of Kirklees Health and Care Partnership via the Most Suitable Provider Process (MSP). Urgent community response (UCR) teams provide urgent care to people in their homes which helps to avoid hospital admissions and enable people to live independently for longer.

The service aim for the Kirklees UCR is to provide a crisis community response within 2 hours for all age adults who require a 0–2-hour response (health or social care) to prevent avoidable acute admissions and readmissions by managing the person at home with appropriate ongoing community support. The MSP approach was selected based on a clear understanding of the local provider landscape, including the limited number of capable providers able to deliver the full Urgent Community Response Lead Provider Service at scale.

Market knowledge confirmed that the incumbent providers were already delivering the services, possessed the necessary infrastructure, workforce and experience, and were therefore well placed to continue delivery within a lead provider arrangement. The MSP documentation was issued in line with the approved timetable, and the process provided assurance that the recommended provider represented the most suitable option to meet service, quality and value requirements.

The procurement process for the Urgent Community Response Lead Provider Service was conducted fully in accordance with the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023, using the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) Process. Having regard to established market knowledge, the limited number of capable providers, and the requirement for continuity and system integration, the ICB was satisfied that the MSP process was the appropriate route.

A Prior Information Notice was issued for the required minimum period, no expressions of interest were received, and the identified provider was assessed against predetermined, transparent and proportionate criteria. The evaluation was undertaken by a suitably qualified panel, recorded in full, and supported by a clear audit trail.

On this basis, the ICB is satisfied that the process followed was fair, robust, transparent, and compliant with PSR requirements, and that the recommended provider represents the most suitable option to deliver the service. This is a notice to inform the market of the intention to award a contract for the Kirklees Urgent Community Response Service for the population of Kirklees via the Most Suitable Provider Process.

The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. Assessment Description: The Basic Selection Criteria were assessed as part of the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage to ensure that the bidder met the minimum requirements in relation to legal and regulatory compliance, financial standing, and technical and professional capability.

The provider submitted a completed PQQ and was assessed as meeting these baseline requirements and therefore progressed to the evaluation stage. A structured scored assessment was subsequently undertaken in accordance with the procurement documentation.

Evaluation was based on the key criteria, with equal weightings allocated across each of these criteria to ensure a balanced and proportionate assessment. The submission was evaluated by appropriately qualified individuals using predefined scoring guidance to ensure a consistent, transparent, and fair approach.

Responses were assessed on the extent to which they met the requirements, including demonstration of understanding, approach, relevant experience, and overall quality of the proposal. A moderation process was undertaken to confirm the final agreed scores.

The award decision was made in line with the published evaluation methodology and criteria, ensuring compliance with the principles of transparency, equal treatment, and non-discrimination. Additional information: 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 or the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The award decision maker will be in accordance with the the ICB's Financial Scheme of Delegation The intention is to award a contract using the Most Suitable Provider Process.

The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. This contract has not yet been formally awarded, this notice serves as an intention to award a contract under the PSR.

No conflicts of interests were declared. Decision Makers: In line with the ICB's financial scheme of delegation; Kirklees Place Accountable Officer and Director of Partner Relationship Management