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Framework for procuring External Support for Commissioners (FESC): procurement at PCTs
Commissioning is the means by which we secure best value for patients and taxpayers. Best value includes the best possible health outcomes and the best health care possible within the resources made available by the taxpayer. In Health Reform in England, update and commissioning framework (July 2006) the Department of Health set out a vision for stronger and more effective commissioning, as a key element of a comprehensive programme of health reforms.
About FESC
FESC is designed to complement existing frameworks used by the NHS to procure services. The majority of these will provide consultancy charged on a day-rate basis. FESC, on the other hand, provides the opportunity for PCTs to partner with independent providers who can undertake aspects of the commissioning function with the PCT - whilst remaining accountable to the PCT board throughout. Contractual arrangements are more robust and payment models are designed to incentivise suppliers to deliver the required value. As a result, knowledge and skills are transferred to NHS staff and the PCT gets greater value for money.
Before entering into a FESC procurement, a PCT will have:
- identified a gap in their commissioning function
- developed a clear and detailed requirements specification
- presented a business case to their Board with a shortlist of options
- demonstrated that the preferred option is FESC, and that it is both in line with strategy and affordable.
PCT Procurement Framework
The Department of Health have developed a PCT Procurement Framework based on the FESC Pilot procurements, to enable PCTs to conduct local procurements and in turn better meet the needs of their local populations. Every PCT conducting a procurement will manage the procurement process locally with guidance and support available from Strategic Health Authorities and the Department of Health. The PCT Procurement Framework consists of:
- a PCT Procurement Handbook
- a baseline FESC process map and supporting manual
- procurement template documentation and guidance
- procurement support
PCT Procurement Handbook
The PCT Procurement Handbook provides a step-by-step guide to manage each procurement. Each step reflects the stages in the FESC Process Map. For each step the PCT Procurement Handbook describes the:
- objective
- tasks to complete
- resource requirements including the expertise, documents and time
- outcome
The PCT Procurement Handbook intends to provide a basis upon which the PCT can build a comprehensive plan for each step in the procurement. The Handbook is not exhaustive and should be viewed as a guide only.
The FESC Process Map and Manual
The FESC Process Map and corresponding Manual set out a baseline from which PCTs or SHAs can manage each procurement. The FESC Process Map and Manual include:
- all steps in the desired procurement process
- suggested governance checkpoints
- quick reference links to key documents required to support the procurement process
- an option to select a one-stage or two-stage procurement based on maturity of specification.
Procurement template documentation and guidance
The FESC Process Map, Manual and the PCT Procurement Handbook are supported by template documentation and guidance, which includes specific procurement documentation and guidance on various aspects of the procurement process. The documentation should be adapted to reflect local requirements.
Disclaimer
The procurement documentation and best practice guidance contained in the PCT Procurement Framework have been produced by the Commercial Directorate of the Department of Health (DH) to assist PCTs who wish to use the Framework for procuring External Support for Commissioners (FESC).
PCTs should note that the procurement documents have been produced as template documents only and will require input by the PCT to make the documents appropriate to their particular, local requirements. Any modifications to the provided documentation should be checked with your local SHA to ensure compliance with procurement law and / or the tems of the framework agreement.
The DH accepts no liability for the accuracy of the contents of the procurement documents nor their suitability in meeting the specific requirements of a PCT. PCTs are advised to seek their own legal advice when using the documentation and guidance contained in the PCT Procurement Framework.
Best practice guidance contained within the PCT Procurement Framework, should not be taken in any way as constituting, or as a substitute for, legal advice.
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