Decision details

In support of the National Adoption Strategy the Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) Leaders group would like to procure a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and an Electronic Market Place (EMP) to start 1st April 2022 for a period of three years, with the option to extend for a further two years. These will enable the National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group (NARSG) to call off providers to undertake specific activities during 2022/23 and beyond dependent on funding being available.

The DPS will cover consultants required to undertake adoption practice improvements. The EMP will have two separate lots for: training and development; and the management and delivery of adoption events.

The Director of Children and Families approved the following:

·  The establishment of a Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) and an Electronic Market Place (EMP) in support of the National Adoption Strategy that will be used to award contracts through a further competition process as and when required.

·  The spend of up to £300,000 to be awarded through the DPS and £525,000 to be awarded through the EMP over the initial contract term period of 3 years. Estimated contract value, including extensions, has been estimated at £500,000 under the DPS and £875,000 under the EMP. Both contracts are to commence on 1^st April 2022 and finish on 31^st March 2025, with the option to extend for a further two years (dependent on funding being available).

·  The acceptance onto the DPS and the EMP of all suppliers who successfully pass the Standard Selection Questionnaire (SSQ) and meet the quality threshold in their method statement submission.

·  The subsequent award of contracts to those suppliers who are successful in the further tender competitions under the DPS and EMP as detailed in this report.

Consultation will continue to take place regularly at national RAA  leaders meetings with the Head of Service for OAWY and representatives from the DfE and National Adoption Recruitment Steering Group to explore options on how to best continue management of the grant to achieve positive outcomes for prospective adopters and children awaiting adoption. Discussion has been held with the NARSG and the ambition leads to progress this tender.

RAA leaders, National Recruitment Steering group and the DfE