Supporting People Framework (Approved Provider List)

The Vale of Glamorgan Council established a Framework Agreement, which is also known as an approved provider list in November 2010.

The list of the approved providers can be seen .

What is a Framework Agreement?

A Framework Agreement is an agreement between the buyer (the Council) and supplier/s (providers of housing related support services) where both parties agree the terms of future service provision, without committing at that time to a specific service or contract value.

In terms of Supporting People, the Framework Agreement will act as an ‘approved provider’ list.

Was approval sought to enable Supporting People to establish a Framework Agreement?

Permission was gained in April 2010 from the Housing and Community Safety Cabinet Committee. Permission was given to tender for a Framework Agreement for the provision of housing-related support services which are funded by Supporting People Revenue Grant (SPRG). The corporate procurement process was followed.

Why has Supporting People introduced a Framework Agreement?

A Framework Agreement was established to ensure that the tendering of new housing related support services and the re-tendering of existing housing related support services funded by Supporting People Revenue Grant meet the Councils Contract Standing Orders, follow the principles of the EC Treaty and where relevant, comply with the European Commission's Consolidated Directive on public procurement, as implemented in England, Wales and Northern Ireland by the Public Contracts Regulations 2006.

Were current service providers notified?

All current service providers in the Vale were notified via email. The introduction of a Framework Agreement was also discussed at the Supporting People Liaison Group. Cymorth Cymru, the organisation that represents providers of housing related support in Wales were also informed.

How was the Framework Agreement advertised?

The Framework Agreement was advertised on the Buy4Wales website and in Inside Housing and the Western Mail.

How was the Framework Agreement established?

The Framework Agreement was established via a formal tender process, up to and including the Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ) stage. Service providers who were approved at the PQQ stage, by achieving a minimum score of 70%, were awarded a place on the Framework Agreement for approved service providers.

Each service provider will be approved to deliver housing related support services to up to, or all of the 15 specified client groups. In order to secure future contracts, service providers included on the Framework Agreement will be invited to tender for new contracts or those which are being re-tendered.

Further information

For further information please contact Jenny Prince, Housing Strategy Officer on 01446 709 326 or email housingstrategy@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk