Four Adult Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia (PCD) Centres - Market Engagement Exercise

NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability of the incumbent and potential providers within this highly specialised area. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise. The outcome of this market engagement will help inform commissioners of the current and future capacity and capability of the market and will be considered to inform the commissioning approach.

Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements.

Participation to this market engagement will close at 12 noon 18th August 2023.

Additional information: Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare (estimated between 1:26000 - 1:40000) genetic condition in which the microscopic cells in the respiratory system called cilia do not function normally. Ciliary dysfunction prevents the clearance of mucous from the lungs, paranasal sinuses and ears. Primary ciliary dyskinesia management services include services provided by Highly Specialist Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia Management centres including outreach when delivered as part of a provider network.

The core objective of this service is to ensure that all patients with PCD have access to the optimal standards of care to enable a reduction in the morbidity and mortality associated with the condition. This service is for all patients with a diagnosis of PCD over the age of 16 years.

Please see the link to the service specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/service-specification-adult-primary-ciliary-dyskinesia.pdf

The service expected to commence in 2023/24.

The anticipated contract duration for this service is 3 years, with an option to extend the contract up to a further 12-month period at the Commissioner's discretion.

This notice is to advise prospective providers in the market of the commissioner's intention to commission this service and to provide an opportunity to engage with and participate in a market engagement questionnaire. It is possible that as a result of this exercise, a formal tender process will not be required but instead a simpler provider selection process will be undertaken. Where it is noted that competition is absent for a particular lot, the Commissioner reserves the right to direct award to provider(s) with no further competition. All providers will be notified of next steps following the conclusion of this market engagement exercise.

Documentation relating to this exercise including a questionnaire is available through the Atamis (Health Family) portal. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link to the Atamis (Health Family) portal: https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.

The project reference is C172414 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12 noon 18th August 2023.