Termination of Pregnancy Services (TOPS) in Hertfordshire

This is a Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency Notice and is intended to provide notice of the Contracting Authority's intention to award a contract for 'Termination of Pregnancy Services (TOPS); to its incumbent provider, Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices, to continue to provide the services within the Hertfordshire area.

This is a Voluntary Ex-Ante Transparency Notice and is intended to provide notice of the Contracting Authority's intention to award a contract for 'Termination of Pregnancy Services (TOPS); to its incumbent provider, Marie Stopes Reproductive Choices, to continue to provide the services within the Hertfordshire area.

The termination of pregnancy service provides termination of pregnancies which are quick and safe depending on the personal health and circumstance of the individual service user, to help to reduce repeat abortions and unintended pregnancies and to promote better sexual health amongst service users.

The contract has been with the incumbent provider since 2013 and has a total cumulative value of £15,838,713 (excluding the value of this contract). The proposed contract will be for a period of 12 months, starting on 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024, with the option to extend for a further 12 months from 1st April 2024 to 31st March 2025. The value identified in this Notice is exclusive of VAT and is for the potential 2-year period, including the extension. The value of the initial 12-month contract is £1,358,115 (exclusive of VAT).

The Hertfordshire and West Essex Integrated Care Board (HWE ICB) was established on 1st July 2022. The HWE ICB replaced the Clinical Commissioning Groups within Hertfordshire and West Essex. The HWE ICB are currently developing their commissioning strategy for sexual health services, this review and strategy development will determine how the services are best delivered to our patients in future. The short-term extension allows continuity of care for patients whilst the strategy is developed and delivered. Additional information: In line with best practice, the Authority will apply a voluntary 10-day standstill period from the publication date of this Notice before awarding the contract, pursuant to Regulation 99 (3) (c) of the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (as amended (EU Exit) 2020 etc.)