In designing contracts where user enhancement requirements are to be built in, early market engagement is important to identify the capacity of the market to deliver these. This also ensures that potential bidders are made aware early on that this will form part of the contract requirements.
Where a contract includes user enhancement requirements, this should be indicated in the call for competition. Below is example wording that can be used for this purpose:
‘The contracting authority has included obligations within the specification and contract conditions relating to further requirements to achieve health and wellbeing outcomes which are relevant to the services to be delivered.’
Further, it is good practice to notify suppliers early in the procurement process of particular conditions of the contract and as such this should also be included in the contract notice. For example:
‘A method statement is required describing an assessment of potential impacts of the proposed service on the health and wellbeing of the service users. It must include all the risks and opportunities identified in the assessment and the measures needed to minimise risks.’ Or:
‘Evidence will be required to demonstrate that any subcontractors used within the contract will be assessed by the contractor with regard to their competence in identifying and mitigating health and wellbeing risks.’ Or:
‘The contract/framework agreement supports the Scottish Government's National Performance Framework, and the National Outcomes which articulate the Government's Purpose to focus on creating a more successful country with opportunities for all of Scotland to flourish through increased wellbeing, and sustainable and inclusive economic growth. This framework supports the following National Outcomes, and contractors are expected to support the authority’s aim to achieve these. [Insert relevant National Outcomes].’
