Projects have been labelled as a pilot when the previous contract lapses and procurement has not taken place. Contract lengths are reduced (i.e. a 3 year contract is awarded as a 1 year contract) to artificially alter the contract value to avoid the compulsory OJEU thresholds,and; Using negotiation with existing providers as a mechanism to improve services when the contract lapses (for clarification, negotiation is a viable method within the contract term but should not be used to renew or extend a contract). The UK courts have the authority to award damages to providers who have been unfairly excluded from the market through the use of such tactics, depending on the circumstances. Document Hierarchy The CCG recognises that there is the potential for conflict between local, regional, national and European legislation within the healthcare system. The CCG will ensure that the processes it adopts comply with judicial legislation in accordance with the most up to date policies, guidance and procedures. Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) With support from the NHS South Yorkshire Procurement Service the CCG will ensure that every healthcare (clinical) service procurement will evaluate submissions using the MEAT strategy rather than solely on a lowest bidders’ price basis. This approach allows commissioners to consider the whole life cost of bids and takes into account the quality of the deliverable elements. It will be for the commissioner of the service to determine the priorities when setting out the bid evaluation criteria. Managing Conflicts of Interest When commissioning services for which GP practices/CCGs could be potential providers, or where staff may have a conflict of interest, the CCG will refer to the advice and guidance published by NHS England dealing with potential conflicts of interest. This guidance describes the responsibility of the CCG to demonstrate that those services commissioned: Clearly meet local health needs and have been planned appropriately; Go beyond the scope of the GP contract; and The appropriate procurement approach is used. Sheffield CCG has a requirement to manage conflicts of interest and has the following processes in place:
Projects have been labelled as a pilot when the previous contract lapses and procurement has not taken place. Contract lengths are reduced (i.e. a 3 year contract is awarded as a 1 year contract) to artificially alter the contract value to avoid the compulsory OJEU thresholds,and; Using negotiation with existing providers as a mechanism to improve services when the contract lapses (for clarification, negotiation is a viable method within the contract term but should not be used to renew or extend a contract). The UK courts have the authority to award damages to providers who have been unfairly excluded from the market through the use of such tactics, depending on the circumstances. Document Hierarchy The CCG recognises that there is the potential for conflict between local, regional, national and European legislation within the healthcare system. The CCG will ensure that the processes it adopts comply with judicial legislation in accordance with the most up to date policies, guidance and procedures. Most Economically Advantageous Tender (MEAT) With support from the NHS South Yorkshire Procurement Service the CCG will ensure that every healthcare (clinical) service procurement will evaluate bidders’ submissions using the MEAT strategy rather than solely on a lowest price basis. This approach allows commissioners to consider the whole life cost of bids and takes into account the quality of the deliverable elements. It will be for the commissioner of the service to determine the priorities when setting out the bid evaluation criteria. Managing Conflicts of Interest When commissioning services for which GP practices/CCGs could be potential providers, or where staff may have a conflict of interest, the CCG will refer to the advice and guidance published by NHS England dealing with potential conflicts of interest. This guidance describes the responsibility of the CCG to demonstrate that those services commissioned: Clearly meet local health needs and have been planned appropriately; Go beyond the scope of the GP contract; and The appropriate procurement approach is used. Sheffield CCG has a requirement to manage conflicts of interest and has the following processes in place: