Decision details

Whole Family Case Management system re-procurement update

The Executive Leader:-

(i) notes and affirm the officer decision made in accordance with the Leader’s Scheme of Delegations to procure a replacement case management system for children and adults social care;

(ii) agrees that the procurement is completed within the agreed project timescales (February 2017) to ensure that a solution can be implemented prior to the existing supplier contract end date on 31/03/18;

(ii) delegates authority to award a contract to the preferred supplier to Laura Pattman, Director of Business Strategy (interim) for Communities  

The reason we are re-procuring this ICT solution via LASA frameworks is because the current contract is due to expire and the existing ICT solution is no longer fit for purpose. There are three outcomes expected from implementing a re-procured ICT solution. The first is a reduced overall cost of the ICT solution including support and maintenance over the term of the contract. The second is to improve performance efficiency due to having a solution that is easier to use and that has more  automation built in. The third is improved quality of data held in the system and the ability to report and identify where improvement is required. Improving quality would also improve regulatory inspection ratings.

As this is a critical system underpinning high risk services there is a need to gain certainty on the delegated authority so that the procurement can be progressed in a timely manner.  

There is no ‘do nothing’ cost neutral decision. The existing solution would require significant investment to upgrade it for use beyond March 2018. The current solution is not appropriate for modern working methods required by social care to help them to improve outcomes for children, families and adults. Therefore, simply refreshing the existing contract is not appropriate. In addition, the existing product is unlikely to be upgraded by the supplier as they have introduced a new product.