Public procurement notice: Prior Information Notice Without Call For Competition
Published: 2018-07-07
Buyer: NHS Digital
Country: UK
Contract type: Services
CPV classification: 79600000 | 79610000 | 79620000 | 79630000
Estimated value: 5000000 GBP

Technical requirements: The Authority is potentially seeking to establish a new route to market for the recruitment of temporary resource to support the business in delivering its ongoing commitments, without increasing the business' reliance upon “traditional” contractor models. For example, where the Authority is often in direct competition with other large organisations in recruiting temporary contractors with specialist (digital) skills, there is an appetite to recruit 'alternative' temps, including utilising external graduates or ex-forces who are seeking to gain a foothold in the workplace, helping to widen the pool from which the Authority can extract specialist skills.
Although many of the roles in NHSD require a robust and well-developed skill set, there are positions open that could be suitable as development roles for contractors and non-permanent members of staff, thereby find more competitive rates by using promising graduates or returners who are training in specific professions.
This notice is for information only. The Authority may or may not subsequently publish a formal contract notice in the future. A prior information notice has also been sent for publication on Tenders Electronic Daily.
Given the ongoing demand for temporary resource to fill specialists positions within NHSD, there is appetite to establish an alternative route to market for temporary resource, whereby the Authority is not adding to its total headcount, nor increasing any short-term pressure on the business by introducing additional “grow-your-own” type resourcing solutions, yet is also not compelled to rely on a “traditional” contractor model in every instance (most frequently via CLOne or NMNC), when this often comes at a substantial cost, and results in high levels of competition with other big players in the digital resources market.
The Authority has conducted some early research into the market and as such has identified some “alternative contractor models” they could access, whereby graduates (or ex-armed forces/returners to business) are employed by a Supplier who trains them in a specific (digital) profession. The Authority recognises this as an opportunity to increase graduates and/or employees with a more diverse experience within the organisation. Given that individuals enter the business trained in specialist professions, this should not present an increased demand for internal training.
Feedback from across the business has pointed to the following roles as currently difficult to fill as there is consistent demand for skilled individuals:
Although many of the specialist temporary roles advertised by the Authority often require a robust and well-developed skill set, there is an opportunity to for the Authority to identify opportunities that could be suitable as development roles for contractors and non-permanent members of staff whilst still meeting business needs.
To support this project, the Authority is now looking to build its understanding of the market. The Authority would like to hear from Suppliers who offer this alternative contractor model, explore the types digital skillsets available via an “alternative” route, and understand how this model could help the business reduce costs for resourcing whilst maintaining staffing flexibility and high quality outputs. The Authority is also interested to understand how flexible Suppliers offering this model can be, for example, in tailoring their external training to help to meet NHSD specific needs.
The Authority would like to hear from Suppliers to discover the commitments required by Suppliers offer this type of contractor model for temporary resource, including whether a Supplier demands a guaranteed spend. The Authority would like to explore Suppliers' existing business models, rate cards and contract terms and conditions.
The above is neither an exhaustive or final requirement and is subject to development prior to any potential subsequent contract notice. Depending on the volume and mixture of responses received, the Authority will arrange a market engagement event. This engagement event will allow the Authority to share its early thinking around the potential requirement and seek views from potential providers.
The estimated value of the framework is subject to revision based on the outcome of this PIN and any future market engagement events.
This notice is for information only. The Authority may or may not subsequently publish a formal contract notice in the future. The value at II.1.5 above is an estimate only based on a potential contract term of three years.
The Authority will be working to understand the most appropriate solution to offer the business, including whether to establish a new Framework for professional services resource, or whether a direct contract or DPS may better meet the business needs.
There are no restrictions on the number of potential providers who may be able to register for the market engagement event. Potential providers are advised that attendance of any potential event does not:
Alongside this event, the Authority is planning on issuing a Request for Information (RFI) to gather further information.


Award value: 5000000