Mandatory Dental Services in Chard and Crewkerne to NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB)

Description

NHS Somerset Integrated Care Board (ICB) are seeking providers who have the capability and capacity to deliver Mandatory Dental Services (MDS) in Somerset area. 
The procurement is divided into 2 lots and covers the following areas:
Lot 1: Chard
Lot 2: Crewkerne
The aims for MDS provision are to:
•	contribute to improving oral and general health
•	reduce inequalities in health and access to dental care by providing extra support to groups of vulnerable adults and children.  This includes, but is not limited to, children, residents of care homes, other vulnerable groups and patients weighing up to 227kg (35 stones and 10.45 lbs)
•	provide access to NHS dental services to ensure equity and consistency of provision
•	improve children's oral health through partnership working with local stakeholders
•	deliver appropriate, efficient and cost-effective services within the service 
•	provide high quality dental services within framework of the NHS (General Dental Services/Personal Dental Services) Regulations 2005 and any subsequent revisions
•	provide access within contracted hours to un-associated patients identified as having an urgent dental need via NHS 111, NHS Dental Helpline, out of hours services and self-referral
•	refer patients to other NHS services as appropriate in line with the relevant local protocols and guidance
•	establish a positive working relationship between the Commissioner and Provider to facilitate and maximise high quality service delivery
•	develop services in line with the evolving strategic approach to primary care dental provision and align with the priorities of the NHS Long Term Plan - www.longtermplan.nhs.uk and ICB Primary Care Strategy - https://oursomerset.org.uk/about-us/strategy-joint-forward-plan/ 
•	promote overall health in line with Making Every Contact Count - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/making-every-contact-count-mecc-practical-resources 
•	keep availability of appointments up to date on https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/dentists/how-to-find-an-nhs-dentist/  
•	comply with recall intervals, in line with NICE Guidelines (CG19).
The contracts will be for a term of up to 10 years. Services are due to commence from 30th May 2025 and by 28th November 2025. 
The maximum total contract values are as follows:
Lot 1: £8,925,000
Lot 2: £5,425,000
The Commissioner will be contracting for the services using the Standard clauses for a Personal Dental Services agreement.
Interested parties who wish to take part in the procurement are invited to take part in an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process, based on the competitive (open) procedure and designed to identify the most economically advantageous tender and therefore determine the incoming provider.
All ITT responses must be returned by 12 noon on 18th February 2025, at the latest.
This procurement is being carried out by NHS South, Central & West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.