Decision details

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.

(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.

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.

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.