FOI/25/186

Request

I am writing to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request concerning the procurement and award of contracts under Lot 1 of the Workforce Alliance RM6281 framework for temporary clinical and healthcare staffing. I would appreciate your assistance in providing the following information:

1.     Direct Award Method:

o   Has your Trust employed the direct award method for sourcing workers or small groups of workers under the RM6281 framework? If so, please provide evidence demonstrating that the selected suppliers offered the most economically advantageous terms in accordance with the framework’s guidelines.

o   What measures does your Trust implement to ensure transparency and fairness in direct award decisions, including maintaining a clear audit trail? N/A

2.     Further Competition:

o   Has your Trust used the further competition process for awarding contracts where adjustments to the framework terms were necessary or where commercial benefits could be achieved? Please provide documentation detailing: N/A

§  The identification of the relevant lot.

§  Invitations sent to all capable suppliers.

§  Evaluation criteria used to determine the most economically advantageous tender.

§  Evidence of a fair and transparent evaluation process.

3.     Neutral or Master Vendor:

o   If your Trust utilizes a neutral or master vendor to manage temporary staffing, how do you ensure these vendors comply with the framework’s requirements, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015? Please provide evidence of compliance with the framework’s rules for transparency, fairness, and economic advantage.

o   What processes are in place to monitor and audit the actions of neutral or master vendors? Outsource Bank

4.     Supplier Selection and Exclusion:

o   Please explain how your Trust lawfully selects certain suppliers while excluding others under the RM6281 framework. What justifications are used for these decisions, and how do you ensure compliance with the framework and procurement regulations? Outsource Bank Responsibility

5.     Processes for Supplier Selection:

o   Could you outline the process your Trust follows when selecting suppliers for temporary clinical and healthcare staff under RM6281? This should include the decision-making steps for choosing between direct award, further competition, or engaging a neutral/master vendor.

o   Please provide contact details for the department responsible for handling legal queries related to procurement under the framework- clcht.temporarystaffing@nhs.net

6.     Additional Information:

o   The total number of agencies listed under Lot 1 and the rates at which they supply their services.- LPP Rates

o   The name of the master or neutral vendor managing shift allocation.- Litmus

o   If your Trust is not using the Workforce Alliance RM6281 framework, please specify which framework is currently in use.