Prison Operator Services Framework Agreement - Generation Two - Early Market Engagement

This Prior Information Notice (PIN) is for the purpose of initiating market engagement activity to support the Ministry of Justice (the "Authority") operating through His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) in developing its strategy for the future delivery of Prison Operator Services in England and Wales, beyond the expiry of the current Prison Operator Services Framework (POSF) Agreement in July 2025.

Background: Prison Operator Services (also referred to as "Prison Management" in global markets) involves the provision of Operational Custodial Services and Facilities Management of prisons in England and Wales. The Authority has tendered the operation of prisons to the private sector since the early 1990s and has long advocated a shared approach to prison operation that includes a mix of public, voluntary and private sector involvement.

The Authority established the Prison Operator Services Framework (POSF) Agreement in 2019 and appointed six Framework Operators who demonstrated that they had the capability, strategy and understanding to operate new and existing prisons in England and Wales. The objective of the procurement for the framework was to test bidders' ability to deliver value for money through the right blend of quality, innovation in service delivery, and price in any prison competed under the framework. Some of the benefits that have been delivered to date include:

- Demonstrating commitment to a clear pipeline of business opportunity by successfully awarding five (5) Call-Off Contracts on time, including during the pandemic at a time of acute pressure on the estate. - Enabling the efficient management and delivery of operator competitions for both expiring PFI/Manage & Maintain prison contracts for new build prisons through its streamlined Mini-Competition process, with appointed Framework Operators eligible to compete in further competitions for individual Call-Off Contracts. - Maximising bidder participation across all competitions by eliminating conflicts (e.g., overlaps in key market activity across competitions) so bidders do not have to choose which prisons to bid for.

The current POSF is due to expire in July 2025, therefore, to build upon these benefits, it is anticipated that another framework is likely to be procured in due course to manage the next phase of a perpetual pipeline of current private prison contracts (as they expire) and new build prisons. The Authority is now experienced in running operator competitions, implementing extensive learning into our future approach and looks forward to engaging with the market to develop and inform our strategy.

Expressions of Interest to be involved in Market Engagement:

Please see additional text section for further details on how to register your interest.

Additional information: Expressions of Interest to be involved in Market Engagement:

The Authority is keen to invite organisations with the capability and capacity to deliver prison operator services to express interest in the market engagement activity process and to play an active role to inform and participate in our programme of market engagement activities planned to commence from February/March 2024 (subject to change). The outputs of these sessions will be used to help inform the Authority's strategy to deliver the new generation of the Prison Operator Services Framework (POSF) Agreement.

To participate in this opportunity and register your organisation's interest, please register for an account (if you do not already have an existing account) at Jaggaer, https://ministryofjusticecommercial.bravosolution.co.uk and search for "PQQ_404 - Market Engagement for Prison Operator Services Framework Agreement - Generation Two" within the 'PQQs Open to All Suppliers' section. Once you have located PQQ_404, please confirm your interest by selecting 'Express Interest'.

If you have forgotten your log in details, please do not register again but instead use the 'I cannot access my account' link within the login window.

The Authority will provide further details and joining instructions for planned market engagement activities in due course.

Disclaimer: Please note this PIN is for market engagement purposes only. It does not signify the commencement of any procurement process and does not constitute any commitment by the Authority. A separate notice(s) will be published at the relevant time should the Authority decide to commence any procurement(s).