Purpose

 
To seek approval for the direct award of the
contract for the Supply and Provision of Community Equipment
Services for an initial period of three (3) months with an option
to extend for a further three (3) months.

Content

(1)      
To note that the Corporate Director, Finance and Resources has
granted an exemption from the requirement to obtain 3 written
quotes for a Low Value Contract for the Supply and Provision of
Community Equipment Services.
 
(2)      
To note the pre-tender considerations as the basis for the
award.
 
(3)      
To approve the direct award of the contract for the Supply and
Provision of Community Equipment Services for an initial period of
three (3) months with an option to extend for a further three (3)
months in the sum of £100,000 to Accora Ltd.

Reasons for the decision

The award is required for the
following reasons:
 
(a)      
The London Consortium Community Equipment Framework, managed by the
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Westminster City
Council, appointed Nottingham Rehab Services (NRS) to the framework
in April 2023.
 
(b)      
Brent Council was one of twenty-one Local Authorities across London
who are part of the consortium agreement and ‘called
off’ a contract with NRS for the provision of services.
 
(c)       
NRS have informed the consortium that they will cease operating
with effect from 31 July 2025. As a result, the Council urgently
need to implement alternative arrangements for the delivery of the
goods and services, and have identified Accora Ltd, a manufacturer of community equipment,
as a suitable interim provider, as they have knowledge of equipment
and logistical infostructure. A direct award is proposed for the
urgent and critical provision of community equipment services for
an initial period of 3 months, with an option to extend for a
further 3 months.
 
(d)      
The service supports individuals of all ages to live independently
and safely at home. They include the procurement, delivery,
installation, maintenance, repair, recycling, and collection of a
wide range of health and social care equipment.

Alternative options considered

The national market for community equipment is
limited. Accora Ltd has the capacity to
deliver urgent and critical equipment needs in the short term with
the recommended award of contract designed to ensure continuity of
the services for all-ages under The Care Act 2014, the NHS Act
2022, and The Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970
covering provision for children.
 
The contract will give sufficient time to
stabilise the market and the supply chain before considering the
medium to longer-term approach to service delivery.