Social services

Tender description

Aberdeenshire Council (the Council) has identified the need for purpose built accommodation for individuals with complex needs and behaviours that can challenge services. The purpose of this Prior Information Notice (PIN) is an early notification to the market of the Council's possible intention to publish an invitation to tender for specialist supported living service provision in 2016/2017. This is not a call for competition. As part of market testing the Council is seeking expressions of interest from providers with experience of delivering specialist services to adults with complex needs in supported accommodation that are interested in working in partnership with the Council to design and develop an innovative care and accommodation solution in Aberdeenshire. The Council is developing an asset and resource management strategy for Aberdeenshire. The proposed service development will share a 5 hectare site with existing Council operated services. Initial pre-planning application work has commenced; a full application to Planning will be undertaken in partnership subsequent to the award of a future contract notice for the provision of the care and support service. The Council is interested in attracting expressions of interest from support providers seeking to develop capital portfolios or support providers with existing landlord partners that are able to identify flexible and sustainable supported housing options. These may include those able to promote access to accommodation within modular construction systems that are able to be moved and/or reconfigured to offer flexibility over the lifespan in order to be responsive to changes in demand, service user requirements and local sector labour markets. It is anticipated that a phased development of the site will expand the capacity of the service over time from 4-6 units to 10-12 units with staff accommodation and outdoor activity space. Development of the site will require to be sensitive to existing users, the local community and the environment. The Council is interested in engaging with providers committed to collaborative working that delivers community benefits and those that are able to respond to procurement not just in terms of the value for money triangle of cost, quality and sustainability, but also to deliver economic and social benefits. The specialist service provision will be provided to an identified group of individuals with behaviours that challenge services and for whom the service type and model is assessed as required. This includes individuals with autism spectrum disorders currently supported out of area in hospital and residential care settings; adults with acquired brain injuries and adults with forensic histories currently detained in hospital settings. The support model will offer high intensity support services that enable the service users to live as independently as possible in accommodation and with support that complies with national care standards, regulations and best practice. Note: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=435805