Bracknell Forest Council
Record of Decision
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Work Programme Reference
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I104644 |
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1. |
TITLE: |
Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Services 2022 - Strategic Procurement Plan
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2. |
SERVICE AREA: |
People
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3. |
PURPOSE OF DECISION
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To seek approval of the Strategic Procurement Plan for Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Services. Bracknell Forest Council’s current contract for Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Services expires on the 31st August 2022. The new contract duration will be for 5 years (1st September 2022 – 31st August 2027) with an optional extension for 2 years (1st September 2027 – 31st August 2029).
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IS KEY DECISION |
Yes
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5. |
DECISION MADE BY: |
Executive
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6. |
DECISION:
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RECOMMENDED to the Executive Member for Adult Services, Health and Housing that:
1. That Council’s plan for procuring Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Services is approved under the “Social and other Specific Provisions” of the Public Contracts Regulations (also known as the “Light Touch Regime”) as detailed in the Strategic Procurement Plan.
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7. |
REASON FOR DECISION
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1. The procurement of the Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach Service Contract supports the delivery of our Statutory Duties: Domestic Abuse Act 2021, Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998, Children’s Act 2004, Housing Act 1996 and Homelessness Reduction Act 2017.
2. The proposed procurement of this service through a single stage tender will help maximise tender opportunities that will generate value for money and high-quality Domestic Abuse Refuge and Outreach provision. Tendering for a single provider / lead provider which will further enable consistent and efficient contract management arrangements.
3. The COVID-19 pandemic has put additional demand on domestic abuse service providers both nationally and locally. During 2020/2021, there was an increase in Domestic Abuse incidents reported to police in Bracknell Forest. The re-tendering of this contract enables domestic abuse victims and their children to continue to access refuge and outreach services.
4. To be compliant with Public Contract Regulations 2015 and BFC’s Contract Standing Orders, and for timely completion of the tender, award, and mobilisation phases in time for the contract to commence in September 2022.
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8. |
ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS CONSIDERED
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1. Do nothing: current contractual obligation will lapse, there would be no adequate provision to meet our statutory duties and domestic abuse victims and their children’s access to refuge and outreach services would be reduced.
2. Extending: Continually extending the current contractual arrangement will need to be permitted through waivers. The current contract for this service has already been extended twice by waiver. Use of further waivers is not advisable as it does not provide stability for BFC or the provider.
3. Spot purchasing without a contractual arrangement: Best value for money is unlikely to be achieved. Spot purchasing would not attract the same speed of response to referrals made under contract.
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9. |
DOCUMENT CONSIDERED: |
Report of the Executive Director: People
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10. |
DECLARED CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: |
None
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Date Decision Made |
Final Day of Call-in Period |
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15 March 2022 |
22 March 2022 |
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