Decision details

The procurement process for this opportunity was a Mini-Competition under the GMCA Education, Work and Skills Flexible Procurement System (FPS). This procurement was subject to the Public Contract Regulations 2015 under the Light Touch Regime.

In total 1 bid was received.

The selection process evaluated the bidder’s response on the following criteria:

• Delivery Model - 25%
• Engagement and Stakeholder Management - 15%
• Mobilisation and Implementation - 10%
• Performance and Contract Management - 15%
• Value for Money - 10%
• IPS Grow / Fidelity Reviews - 5%

Social Value was weighted as 20% of the overall score (12% Qualitative and 8% Quantitative) and was evaluated via the Social Value Portal.

Quality questions were assessed initially by individual evaluators, with each question being evaluated by a minimum of three evaluators who had all completed and signed Conflict of Interest declarations.

In addition to the previously mentioned assessment criteria, bidders were also subject to comprehensive Finance and Economic Standing, Information Governance and Safeguarding evaluations. These were carried out by specialists within GMCA and conducted in line with the processes published within the documentation.

A contract for services will be awarded to The Growth Company for the delivery of GMCA 1409 Working Well: Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care.

The contract will commence on 28th May 2025, and the initial period is due to end on 31st March 2027. The GMCA has reserved the right to extend this contract for an additional 12-month period up to 31st March 2028.

The value of the initial period is £5,00,000 and the value of the 12 month extension period is £2,400,000, bringing the total potential lifetime value to £7,400,000.

Following a competitive procurement process using GMCA’s Education Work and Skills Flexible Procurement System, GMCA wishes to award one contract with a total value of up to £7,400,000 to The Growth Company Limited.
Background
GMCA looked to procure a lead provider to deliver the Working Well: Individual Placement and Support in Primary Care (WW: IPSPC) service for Greater Manchester (GM) residents. Funded via GMCA’s Integrated Settlement allocation for employment support, the service will provide support for 2,000 GM residents between 28th May 2025 and 31st March 2027. Referrals to WW: IPSPC for both out-of-work and in-work participants can be accepted up to the end of March 2026. The GMCA has reserved the right to extend this contract for an additional 12-month period up to 31st March 2028.
The WW: IPSPC service will sit within the Working Well suite of programmes and delivery is expected to take place in co-locations within a range of primary and community NHS health services. Participants will come from two distinct cohorts:
• Out-of-work participants with a health condition, disability, or who are experiencing disadvantage and require assistance and support to move into competitive employment.
• In-work participants who are off sick or struggling in the workplace due to their disability, health condition, or disadvantage and require assistance and support to return to or retain employment.
WW: IPSPC builds on the successful Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, derived from Supported Employment. The service will support individuals with a physical or mental health disability (as defined by the Equality Act 2010 or the Social Model of Disability), or those in a specified disadvantaged group.
GMCA will appoint one prime service provider for the GM contract package area. The programme will be delivered across the ten local authority areas of GM, and the provider will be expected to ensure sufficient delivery locations are provided for each GM local authority area.