Flexible Alternative Provision Framework

The Authority is conducting this procurement exercise to establish an Open Framework, which means the framework will be reopened periodically so that new providers can apply to join. Each time the framework is reopened, a new framework is created which replaces the previous one.

The maximum duration of this open framework will be eight (8) years. During this period, the Authority will re open the competition at defined intervals to award successive frameworks within the scheme. At a minimum successive frameworks will be awarded:

• At least once during the period of three (3) years from award of the first framework under the scheme, and
• Within a period of five (5) years beginning on the award of the second framework in the scheme.

Each framework awarded under this open framework will be conducted by way of a competitive process and will result in the award of a new framework, with substantially the same scope, award criteria and contractual terms and conditions as the preceding framework.

The Authority currently intends to award a new framework under this Open Framework on an annual basis. However, the timing and frequency of this may be varied at the Authority's discretion.

Prior to conducting the competitive process, the Authority will notify the market of its intention to award a new framework under the open framework.

There will be no limit on the number of Providers that may be appointed to any framework within the scheme, subject to Providers meeting the stated conditions of participation and award criteria. As a result existing Providers will have the option to be awarded a place on the subsequent framework through either of the following routes:

• by reference to having already been awarded a framework under the open framework; or,
• by submission of a new tender.

Existing Providers who choose not submit a tender for subsequent framework will be automatically transferred onto the new framework and will be asked to sign the new framework agreement. Where a Provider does not wish to be transferred onto the successor framework, it must notify the Authority in writing within thirty (30) days of the publication of the tender notice initiating the reopening of the framework.

If the Authority does not re open the framework within the first three (3) years of its operation, the arrangement will cease to operate as an open framework and will instead be treated as a standard framework with a maximum duration of three (3) years from the start of the first framework.

Individual contracts called off under the framework will vary in duration and each contract called off under the framework will become a separate and independent contract in their own right.