Reopening the Home Care Support Framework (Flexible Framework)

Description

Bracknell Forest Council is reopening the Home Care Framework. The Council is inviting applicants to join the Framework for the provision of home care services. The Framework is used by the Council as a means to advertise, tender and award ‘call-off agreements’ for services that have common characteristics e.g. packages of care. The original framework commenced in April 2022. The framework could be reopened at the Council's discretion. The expiry of the framework term is 30 September 2027. Successful tenderers are anticipated to enter the Framework from January 2026. Once admitted to the Framework, Providers will be able to bid for any packages that are offered to Framework Providers where they are able to meet the Council’s requirements. The service is intended to support individuals aged 18+ who live within Bracknell Forest and meet the eligibility threshold for care and support as set out in the Care and Support (Eligibility Criteria) Regulations 2014 for the Care Act 2014. Individuals will have a range of care needs, including complex and challenging behaviours. The service includes activities such as personal care, discharge to assess and supports the reablement of individuals following hospital admission. Although provision is for 18+ this specific service is primarily and foremost a regulated activity for the 65+, delivered by CQC registered providers. Support to individuals with Learning Disabilities (referred to as ‘Supported Living’ in Bracknell Forest), is provided through a set of separate market arrangements and so is not in scope for this tender. Lot 1: The Home Care framework is being reopened in response to increased market demand and the current service capacity. The original framework commenced in April 2022 and expires 30 September 2027. Successful tenderers are anticipated to enter the Framework from January 2026. Once admitted to the Framework, Providers will be able to bid for any packages that are offered to Framework Providers where they are able to meet the Council’s requirements. This is a fixed rate framework. The estimated value of new packages to be awarded via the Framework from January 2026 until the expiry (30th September 2027) is estimated to be in the region of £250K. This is an anticipated value that is subject to demand and could increase dependant on service requirements. Please note that being awarded a place on the Framework does not guarantee any volume of work. The Council has set a minimum entry criteria for the framework. Full details can be found in Schedule 1 – Minimum Entry Criteria. All suitably qualified providers are invited to apply to join the framework. The Council will evaluate applications in line with the criteria. The Minimum Eligibility Criteria includes: Confirmation that the office the service will be provided from: • Has a CQC rating of ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ • Is registered for personal care • Is within 45-minute drive (as determined by AA Route Planner) from the council’s main office • Confirmation that by the commencement of the framework your organisation will have implemented an electronic time monitoring system The council and/or any of its advisers reserve the right to contact any interested parties who notify the council of its interest. Please note that the framework does not include Supported Living services, as these arrangements are covered under other contracts. Refer to the procurement documents for additional information.