Health and social work services

Tender description

Provision of therapeutic services for children, young people and families affected by parental substance misuse. These services have been provided by Barnados in the Belfast and Southern localities since the award of a contract in 2015 following a public procurement exercise. This contract expires in June 2020 and the intention is to commence another public procurement exercise as soon as possible. This process has been delayed for a number of reasons, but a key factor has been a requirement to review the provision of all drugs and alcohol services in conjunction with a review of protect life/suicide prevention services. This review has been necessary due to the close relationship between the client group and the service models. These delays have meant that the retendered services will not be in place for 1 July 2020. To ensure that these crucial services remain in place until a new tender process is complete, it is necessary to extend the contract for a limited period through the award if a direct award contract. Taking into consideration the client safety issues and legal issues, there are no other procurement options available to ensure that the service to the population continues.