Direct Award of Contracts for Services for People with Complex Needs

Torbay Council is currently embarking on a new and locally experimental model of commissioning an alliancefor complex adults. The scope of which will include drug and alcohol treatment services, domestic abuse andsexual violence services and supported housing. Because of the novel nature of commissioning and procuringthese services, there are large aspects that are untested and therefore need a comprehensive level of rigourapplied to test the process. It was initially anticipated that any new service contracts would commence on 01 October 2020 and contractswith existing providers were awarded directly, following publication of a previous VEAT notice. Since March 2019 the Council has been working extensively with the market, to establish the Alliance principlesand model. In addition, since this time a new Council administration has been put in place and consultation withelected members, has been on-going. This has impacted on timescales for decision making and agreement of budgets, resulting in a delay to the originally proposed contract start date. The necessary procurement process is due to commence in May 2020, with an anticipated contract start date of 06 June 2021. As a result Torbay council proposes to issue directly award nine month contracts to incumbent providers, subject to internal approval, to provide stability in the system whilst this innovative procurement is undertaken. • Drugs and Alcohol (Torbay & South Devon NHSFT) • Leonard Stocks Hostel Provision (Langley House Trust) • Torbay Domestic Abuse Services (Sanctuary Supported Living)