Provision of Community Accommodation Services Open Framework

Overview

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is establishing a framework for the Community Accommodation Service (CAS) comprising of 4 lots, (the “Framework”). The Framework has been established in accordance with section 49 of the Procurement Act 2023 and will operate as a light touch open framework, allowing suppliers to be admitted at initial establishment and at planned reopening points. CAS provides temporary accommodation and associated support to individuals leaving custody or serving sentences in the community. The services support public protection, offender management and resettlement outcomes, including the prevention of homelessness on release from prison. CAS is not intended to provide settled accommodation or replace the statutory duties of local authorities. It operates as a bridge back into the community and is proportionate to the level of risk presented. Accommodation is the core service, with varying levels of support provided, depending on the service type. This Framework is the first in a series of light touch open framework agreements that will form the Authority’s open framework established under to section 49 of the PA 23 (the “Open Framework”). The Open Framework will operate for a maximum period of 8 years. During that period, the Authority intends to award a series of framework agreements and periodically open the market to permit the admission of new suppliers. The anticipated term of each framework agreement is as follows: 1. First framework agreement - 2 years with an option to extend for up to 1 additional year (i.e. maximum term of 3 years); 2. Second framework agreement - 1 year with options to extend in annual increments for up to a further 3 years (i.e. maximum term of 4 years); 3. Third framework agreement - 1 year with options to extend in annual increments, providing the overall term of the open framework does not exceed 8 years. The durations set out above are indicative only. The Authority reserves the right to amend the duration of any framework agreement, provided that the total duration of the Open Framework does not exceed the statutory maximum period of eight years. The Authority will re-open the Open Framework to the market at fixed points throughout the maximum eight-year term. When the Authority re-opens the Open Framework, it will publish a new Tender Notice, evaluate new applications and if applicable will re-evaluate tenders from those suppliers originally appointed to the first framework agreement. New applications made by tenderers not appointed to the first framework agreement will be assessed on the same award criteria as set out in the ITT. All lots will be subject to same Open Framework timetable and reopening arrangements. The Authority does not intend to apply different reopening dates or admission periods to individual lots. However, each lot will, operate independently in relation to its scope and the call-off contracts awarded under that lot. The Framework will be structured into the following four lots: • Lot 1: Independent Approved Premises Accommodation and Support 24 hour staffed community residences that provide temporary accommodation and close monitoring for high-risk prison leavers and people on probation. • Lot 2: Accommodation and Support Community accommodation and support for individuals leaving custody, released from court on bail, and other cohorts. • Lot 3: Temporary Accommodation and Floating Support Short term transitional accommodation for prison leavers at risk of homelessness with a basic floating support service. • Lot 4: Alternative Community Accommodation with Support Services Delivery of community accommodation and appropriate support services for individuals within the criminal justice system with alternative service needs. Call-Off contracts under each lot may include the provision of services across England and Wales. The geographic scope and structure will be set out in the relevant call-off documents and may vary by region, service type, site, c