Procurement of healthcare

(clinical) services
Briefing 5: Summary of the
decision-making process

First published: September 2012

Prepared by the Commissioning Development Directorate

 Briefing 5: Summary of the
decision-making process
Introduction Briefing 1 Briefing 2 Briefing 3 Briefing 4 Briefing 5

Why do CCGs How does Which rules How should a

need to procurement fit What are the apply to a procurement Summary of the
understand with the different procurement procurement process be decision-making
procurement? stages of options? process? conducted? process
commissioning?

Have you decided that a new service model or significant additional capacity is
required or has an existing contract come to the end of its term?

Consider:

yes Is it envisaged as part of

the original procurement
and contract?
Would it have affected the
Can this be delivered through an Implement contract original choice of provider?
existing contract without yes variation, extension or
breaching procurement rules? management with Have you taken legal
existing service provider advice?

no
Consider:

Have appropriate steps

Is there likely to be more than Use Single Tender been taken to identify other
one viable provider? no Action capable providers?
Will delivery still be value
for money?
Have conflicts of interest
been declared and dealt
yes with?

Consider:
Conduct competitive procurement
Follow relevant guidance
regarding accreditation
process and framework
Is the service suitable for a local Set up AQP framework Ensure audit trail exists
AQP Framework? yes following appropriate Have conflicts of interest
accreditation process
been declared and dealt
with?

no

Consider:
Consider which procurement process is appropriate
Is your process
transparent, proportionate
and non-discriminatory?
Do you need to reduce the
number of likely bidders?
Does specification require Use procurement
further development with yes procedure that allows for How will you treat all
providers or do you want dialogue bidders equally?
innovation from bidders? What are your award
criteria?
Where will you advertise?
Use simpler procurement Have conflicts of interest
no procedure with no dialogue been declared and dealt
with?