GP Services Purchasing System (PDPS) for APMS contracts: GP services and GP Caretaking services

Descriptions

NHS England has set up an online platform called Pseudo Dynamic Purchasing System (PDPS) to help streamline the process of procurement of primary care services in England. This PDPS is an electronically managed list of pre-approved (accredited) providers which local commissioners can use to call-off and award Alternative Provider Medical Services (APMS) contracts - usually following a bid evaluation process. The system is intended to simplify the procurement process by maintaining a directory of accredited providers who can be invited to bid at any time when the requirements arise. Under limited circumstances the system also allows direct awards when the relevant requirements are met. This website hosts relevant information about the PDPS for both the Providers who may wish to join the platform or are already on the platform as well as the Commissioners who may wish to use the platform to procure primary care services using an APMS contract. Lots This PDPS is split into Lots differentiating between: Lot 1: Substantive APMS contracts - generally longer-term contracts for the delivery of primary medical services. This Lot supports procurement plans for replacing existing or securing additional GP services and covers the core list-based services expected from all GP practices in England. The emphasis here is on meeting planned needs that are typically subject to full commissioning and procurement processes. APMS contracts awarded will reflect the bespoke needs of each local commissioner. Lot 2: GP Caretaker service contracts - generally urgent short-term APMS contracts for a step-in provider of primary medical services. This Lot seeks to support urgent cover arrangements, approved by primary care commissioning committees, on a case by case basis, to ensure a safe and sustainable GP service continues for patients when a GP contract terminates suddenly or unexpectedly. Each Lot is broken down into 7 Sub-Lots by geographical region. Applicants (Providers) are asked to confirm their Lot and Sub-Lot interest as part of their PDPS Application. When the requirements arise, call-Off procurements will be run within specific Sub-Lots and only the accredited Providers listed on the PDPS in the relevant Sub-Lot in will be invited to submit tender responses. Application Rounds - Timetable The PDPS will remain open for four (4) years until 19 January 2024 and providers can apply for accreditation at any time. For the purposes of organisation of applications and evaluations, the timeline is divided into 'Rounds'. In each application Round bidders who apply, will be evaluated and where successful accredited on the PDPS in line with the published timetable. Please refer to the PDPS webpage for detailed timeline: https://londoncommercialhub.nhs.uk/pdps/