Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) services - Kent & Medway Assistive Technology (KMCAT)

Location

Ashford

Description

To deliver the Specialised AAC service across the age range set out in the national specification.

Total Quantity or Scope

To Deliver the Specialised AAC service across the age range set out in the national specification set out below. The aims of the service is to:- • • To assess and support adults registered with GP's across the Eastern and Coastal Kent Primary Care Trust locality (i.e. Canterbury/Coastal and Swale, Thanet Dover/Deal, and Ashford and Shepway) who have disabilities and complex needs in the use of communication, through a specialist multidisciplinary team. Assistive technology is used to enable patients to communicate. • • To provide an equitable and efficient service to adults to ensure that their needs for communication and assistive technology are met in a timely manner - especially for that group with rapidly deteriorating neurological conditions. • • To enable communication to enhance the autonomy, independence and quality of life for clients. • • To reduce the burden of responsibility and improve the quality of life for families and carers. • • To provide a client centred service, which facilitates the integration of communication, postural management, powered mobility and environmental controls. • • To ensure that adolescents experience a smooth transition from the Kent Children's CAT service to the Adult CAT service. • • To maximise efficient use of equipment budgets through avoidance of duplication and through effective knowledge of the market place. • • To develop a model of best practice for the County. The authority is intending to award 3 x contracts to an existing provider following direct award process C of the Provider Selection Regime. The approximate lifetime value of contracts are as follows: 1. £1,435,344.20 2.£1,554,962.88 3.£655,915.00

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85121200 - Medical specialist services

Indicators

• Award on basis of price and quality.

Legal Justification

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by 24/02/2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR

Other Information

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, nor the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 24/02/2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR. Any representations should be sent via email to connor.hubbard@nhs.net The award of these contracts have been the decision of the Trust's relevant heads of service, and the Assistant Director of Prevention, Inequalities and Children Services. There has been no identified conflicts of interest. The deemed relative importance of the key criteria used for decision making is shown below. The rationale of this importance has been determined via the service specification and requirements. - Quality and Innovation 30% - Value 15% - Integration, collaboration and service sustainability 15% - Improving access, reducing health inequalities and facilitating patient choice 30% - Social value 10% The provider has been deemed to be delivering the original contracts to a sufficient standard in relation to the above criteria, and is thus likely to satisfy the proposed contracts to a sufficient standard.