Developing a Pan-London framework for computerised Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

The Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) programme began in 2008 and has transformed the treatment of adult anxiety disorders and depression in England.

The NICE guidelines for the provision of IAPT services include the use of digitally enabled therapies for the treatment of mild to moderate common mental health needs. Computerised cognitive behavioural therapy (cCBT) are an important aspect of delivering IAPT services and can help expand therapy provision and improve access to services.

An analysis of digital therapy provision in London, undertaken in 2018/19, found that 85% (29) of local IAPT services in London offer cCBT to people. IAPT services independently procure cCBT products from providers as there is currently no pan-London framework in place.

We are aiming to implement a pan-London cCBT procurement solution for London's IAPT services to achieve economies of scale, reduce variation and ensure all products meet required clinical safety standards.

In order to establish a London framework agreement for cCBT we need to appoint a procurement partner to develop a robust specification and evaluation criteria, and undertake the tendering process for suppliers to become part of the framework.

1. The preferred partner must have the relevant skills and expertise to support us in establishing a framework agreement for cCBT. 2. They will also need to have knowledge of the London health and care market and extensive experience in undertaking framework agreements within the NHS. 3. They will be required to engage the market, produce all tender documentations, evaluate bidders - including ensuring that they are compliant with national standards for digital health and care products (including the Digital Technology Assessment Criteria), and manage the overall procurement process. They will build on previous work done by the programme to better understand the London digital technology market 4. Partners should have the relevant specialist expertise to review supplier contracts, price, content and volume and negotiate the best package on behalf of all 32 London IAPT services. 5. Responsibilities will include undertaking market scoping and supplier engagement sessions, preparing the Invitation to Tender, managing the procurement process, and managing the process for awarding contracts 6. They should have previous experience with managing public sector procurement frameworks within London. 7. Partners who have prior experience in establishing framework agreements for mental health and/or digital healthcare solutions will be preferred.

Interested organisations must register and submit quotations on ProContract (https://procontract.due-north.com/Advert?advertId=ba88c497-6c53-ec11-810e-005056b64545) by 17.12.21 2pm.

All communications in relation to this procurement must be via the messaging facility on ProContract for this project. Clarification question stage operates from now until 10.12.21.