NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (the Commissioner) is publishing this notice to inform the market of its intention to follow the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process for the award of a contract for a Mental Health Community Step-Down Facility. The service will provide a 9-bed, community-based step-down facility for adults with severe mental health needs who are ready for discharge from acute inpatient services and require further assessment and support in a non-hospital setting. The Commissioner has a strong preference for providers that can demonstrate their ability to fully mobilise the service within twelve weeks of contract award. Providers should be able to evidence a credible mobilisation plan, including arrangements for premises, workforce, governance, and operational infrastructure necessary to deliver the service from the contract commencement date. Providers who believe they are capable of delivering this service are invited to express their interest within 14 days of publication of this notice. The Commissioner will not begin identifying or assessing potential providers until after this period, in accordance with the Provider Selection Regime The contract duration is 12-months with an optional extension of a further 12-months. The anticipated service commencement date is January 2027. The contract value for the initial 12-month contract is £1,000,000 and the total contract value including the optional 12-month extension period is £2,000,000 excluding VAT This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.

NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board (the Commissioner) is publishing this notice to inform the market of its intention to follow the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process in accordance with Regulation 10 of the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) for the award of a contract for a Mental Health Community Step-Down Facility. The service will provide a 9-bed community-based step-down facility for adults (18+) with severe mental health needs who are ready for discharge from acute inpatient services but require a period of further assessment and support in a non-hospital setting. The service aims to: • Facilitate timely discharge from acute mental health services • Reduce delayed discharges and inpatient length of stay • Support transition to independent or supported community living • Promote recovery, independence and social inclusion • Deliver care in the least restrictive environment The service will include: • Self-contained accommodation within Kent and Medway • 24-hour on-site staffing and support • A recovery-focused model of care • Integrated working with NHS, local authority, and community partners • A typical length of stay of approximately 14-16 weeks The anticipated contract start date is January 2027. The Initial contract duration is 12 months with the option to extend up to a further 12 months. The contract value for the initial 12-month contract is £1,000,000 and the total contract value including the optional 12-month extension period is £2,000,000 excluding VAT TUPE is unlikely to apply to this procurement. This exercise is being carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioner.