Timescales and Implementation Period
You will need to set out how long the Further Competition process will take. Consider your current contractual arrangements and the need to inform your incumbent Provider, and identify any potential TUPE implications.
Things to consider:
- Whether you need internal agreement and sign off. You may also need to identify someone to manage the contract after it has been awarded
- You must allow Providers sufficient time to prepare and submit their bids. This should be proportionate to the number of questions and complexity of requirements in your Further Competition.
- Ensure you identify any potential TUPE implications and allow sufficient time for any transition that may be required.
- The implementation period required, should the result of the Further Competition lead to you moving from your existing Provider, and any dual running that may be required. You may need to check your current Provider's termination conditions and required period of notice if applicable.
Including Interviews in Your Further Competition Process
You may wish to hold interviews as part of your Further Competition process. If so, you will need to invite all Providers who have a realistic chance of winning. Be sure to make it clear in your Invitation to Further Competition document who you will interview.
Interviews can be used to:
- Clarify any points in the responses
- Confirm the scores awarded under the Quality and Social Value criteria
However, you should try to avoid carrying out unnecessary interviews for Providers who have no realistic chance of being awarded a contract.
Whichever approach you take, it is essential to clearly state your intentions upfront in your Invitation to Further Competition document.
Inviting Providers to Further Competition
All Providers on the Framework who are capable of meeting your requirements must be invited to take part in your Further Competition.
You could invite Providers using a procurement system or via email, using the contacts listed in the Provider Catalogues.
If you are using a procurement system to run a Further Competition, please ensure you check the contact details of the Providers on the system. If you notice any discrepancies between the system and the Provider Catalogues, either update the details yourself or reach out to the Provider and ask them to update their information. This helps ensure they receive your Further Competition invitation without any issues.
Before you issue your Further Competition, it's a good idea to contact the Providers with:
- Instructions on how to register or check their contact details
- Information on how and when they can access the Further Competition documents
We would also recommend requesting delivery receipts and read receipts for all emails sent in relation to your Further Competition.