Commissioning of a local voluntary, community and social enterprise sector (VCSE) infrastructure provider

Commissioning of a local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) infrastructure provider

The London Borough of Sutton (Sutton Council) is fully committed to the maintenance and development of a local Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise Sector (VCSE) recognising the crucial role it plays in supporting people and communities with a range of different needs.

Sutton Council is seeking tender bids from suitably qualified organisations for the provision of commissioning a VCSE infrastructure service provider to operate within the Borough. The Council took the decision to work in partnership with Sutton Together, a local collaboration of VCSE organisations who are/will be the direct recipients of infrastructure funding. This is so that, wherever possible, the sector itself leads the commissioning of this contract and must be confident is going to best meet its requirements in the medium term. It should also be able to monitor the performance of the successful tenderer and hold them to account.

The contract will be fully funded by Sutton Council for an initial period of 5 years commencing 1 April 2019 with the option to extend for a further 2 years, in 12-monthly intervals at the discretion of the Council.

The provision falls within the 'Light Touch Regime' (LTR) which provides flexibility in procurement procedures and a one-stop, Open Procedure will be conducted through the London Tenders e-tendering portal, our method of advertising and managing contract opportunities. Prospective tenderers are advised to register their interest by going to https://www.londontenders.org/procontract/supplier.nsf.

Social Value is the added benefit to the community following a commissioning/procurement process over and above the direct purchasing of goods, services and outcomes. It shall be a requirement for organisations to work with the Council in delivering and measuring Social Value throughout the lifetime of this agreement.

It is the opinion of the London Borough of Sutton that TUPE will apply to this Contract.

Sutton Council currently contracts with a diverse group of voluntary, statutory and private sector providers and encourages a range of organisations, regardless of size, to apply for this provision. We are committed to creating jobs and training opportunities through our supply chain.

Minimum requirements are applicable to this provision and represented as a pass/fail. Please be aware that should an organisation fail any fundamental requirements, the Authority shall not continue marking your tender bid.

The Council shall not be bound to accept the lowest cost or any tender, and reserves the right to accept all or part of your tender. The award of contract shall be based on the most economically advantageous tender submitted.

Deadline for receipt of tender bids is Thursday, 20 September 2018 at 13h00.