Decision details

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Schools and Families which provided details of proposals to conduct a procurement process to establish a contract for the provision of outreach support services for children and young people with a diagnosis of an autistic spectrum disorder.

Decision Made: That

(1)       approval be given to the procurement process and evaluation criteria for tenders to provide the outreach support service for children and young people with autistic spectrum disorder;

(2)       it be noted that the current arrangements will be continued until 1September 2016 to ensure continuity of support for current service users;

(3)       it be noted that the contract will run for three years with the option to extend for one year plus one further year, subject to a satisfactory review under the terms of the contract; and

(4)       the Head of Schools and Families be authorised to accept the highest scoring tender(s) based on the approved evaluation criteria.

Reasons for Decision:

To ensure that children and young people with an autistic spectrum disorder are provided with high quality outreach support, matched to their individual special educational needs, in line with statutory requirements.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

No, soft market testing has indicated sufficient interest to warrant undertaking a formal procurement process.