Award

Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services in Sussex

NHS SUSSEX INTEGRATED CARE BOARD

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

18 Feb 2026 at 14:14

Award

04 Feb 2026 at 10:55

Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board has announced its intention to award the contract for Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services in Sussex to the existing provider, Pitchforth & Elalami, through a direct award process under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR). This decision follows an assessment against key criteria including quality, value, and service sustainability, which the provider met satisfactorily. The contract is valued at £137,555.08 excluding extensions and has the option to extend to a total potential value of £275,110.16 over 24 months. The service is set to commence on 1st April 2026, ensuring a continued provision of specialised dental services to meet patient needs in Sussex.

This contract represents a significant opportunity for Pitchforth & Elalami to continue their established role in providing dental sedation services, improving access for patients with complex medical histories or anxiety management needs. Their commitment to quality and innovation, coupled with their integration within local health pathways, supports the reduction of health inequalities and expands patient choice. Business users in the healthcare sector, particularly those specialising in dental sedation, can look to emulate elements of Pitchforth & Elalami's operational model to strengthen service delivery and leverage opportunities for growth in the wider UK dental services market, especially as NHS Sussex plans to open the full procurement in April 2027, allowing other providers in Sussex the chance to compete for the contract.

Find more tenders on our Open Data Platform.
How relevant is this notice?

D3 Tenders Premium

Win More Public Sector Contracts

AI-powered tender discovery, pipeline management, and market intelligence — everything you need to grow your public sector business.

Notice Title

Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services in Sussex

Notice Description

NHS Sussex (the Commissioner) are looking to continue the Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services with the current provider in Sussex. After conducting an assessment of the incumbent provider, taking into account the key criteria and applying the basic selection criteria, the Commissioner is content that the existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is PS137,555.08, and PS275,110.16 including extensions. This transparency notice serves as an intention to award the contract to the incumbent provider, using direct award process C under Provider Selection Regime (PSR).

Lot Information

Lot 1

NHS Sussex (the Commissioner) are looking to continue the Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services with the current provider in Sussex. Tier 2 dental sedation services provide dental treatment under conscious sedation for people with more complex medical histories or who need more complex treatment and moderate anxiety management than can be offered by Tier 1 dental services. The clinical standards for sedation in dentistry describe the speciality and the methods for managing anxiety management of which conscious sedation is one option. The term of the existing Sedation contract is due to expire on 31st March 2026 and the Commissioner has proposed that a new contract should replace the existing contract at the end of its term. All requirements outlined in Regulation 6(5) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 have been met, including not breaching the considerable change threshold, and therefore direct award process C has been deemed the appropriate provider selection process. After conducting an assessment of the incumbent provider, taking into account the key criteria and applying the basic selection criteria, the Commissioner is content that the existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is PS137,555.08, and PS275,110.16 including extensions. A full procurement for this service is in the pipeline and has a planned start date of April 2027. Other providers in Sussex will have the opportunity to bid for this contract when it is fully procured. This transparency notice serves as an intention to award the contract to the incumbent provider, using direct award process C under Provider Selection Regime (PSR). This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.

Procurement Information

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by midnight on 17th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06469f
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/014813-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85130000 - Dental practice and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£275,110 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
18 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
3 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS SUSSEX INTEGRATED CARE BOARD
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LEWES
Postcode
N/A
Post Town
Not specified
Country
Not specified

Major Region (ITL 1)
Not specified
Basic Region (ITL 2)
Not specified
Small Region (ITL 3)
Not specified
Delivery Location
TLJ2 Surrey, East and West Sussex

Local Authority
Not specified
Electoral Ward
Not specified
Westminster Constituency
Not specified

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

PITCHFORTH A & ELALAMI M

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06469f-2026-02-18T14:14:21Z",
    "date": "2026-02-18T14:14:21Z",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06469f",
    "description": "An assessment against the key criteria (set out in the Provider Selection Regime) was carried out to assess the provider's performance against the current contract, as well as their likely performance against the new contract, and their ability to deliver safe, high-quality service. The basic selection criteria were applied as part of the DAPC provider assessment and were assessed on a Pass / Fail Basis. The provider attained a 'pass' on all elements of the basic selection criteria. Multiple assessment areas were included under each of the key criteria, and each weighted to reflect its importance in service delivery, value, and sustainability: * Quality & Innovation (25%) Pitchforth & Elalami demonstrate a stable approach to quality through established processes for recording and responding to complaints and compliments, alongside routine contract monitoring that indicates no current concerns. Their use of an in-house staff survey to identify and act on opportunities for improvement reflects a commitment to enhancing workplace culture and driving incremental service improvements. Overall, the provider shows a consistent focus on maintaining safe, reliable care and supporting ongoing quality development within the service. * Value (30%) Pitchforth & Elalami demonstrate strong value through consistently delivering activity above contracted levels, showing reliable capacity to meet patient demand and maintain continuity of sedation services. Their sustained performance contributes to overall system effectiveness by supporting timely treatment within primary care and reducing pressure on other parts of the pathway. This ongoing reliability, combined with stable operational delivery, reflects good value for commissioners and supports the wider system's ability to meet patient need. * Integration, Collaboration and Service Sustainability (15%) Pitchforth & Elalami are a long-standing and well-established provider in Sussex, offering consistent and resilient delivery of dental sedation services. Their sustained presence and familiarity with local service pathways support reliable patient flow and smooth coordination with other organisations. The provider's enduring role in the system contributes to service stability and helps maintain continuity of care for patients who require specialist sedation. * Improving Access, Reducing Health Inequalities and Facilitating Choice (20%) Pitchforth & Elalami perform well against this criterion by providing specialist sedation services that expand access for patients who cannot be treated in standard dental settings, including those from highly deprived areas. Their model enables earlier treatment and reduces the risk of unmet dental need, helping to narrow local health inequalities. Established referral pathways support patient choice and ensure individuals can select a provider suited to their clinical needs, reinforcing equitable access and improved outcomes. * Social Value (10%) Pitchforth & Elalami contribute to social value by supporting local employment through their wider dental service activity and by operating in a way that benefits the surrounding community. Their use of digital systems reduces paper consumption and supports more sustainable practice operations, while regular staff engagement helps maintain a positive working environment. Collectively, these measures demonstrate a commitment to social, economic, and environmental wellbeing within the local area. The provider attained a sufficient score to be satisfied of their ability to continue to provide a high quality service for the population whilst ensuring the best value and service continuity for NHS Sussex. The assessments were based on knowledge gained through discussions with the South East Dental Commissioning Team, direct contact with the provider, and historical performance data. Award decisions have been recommended by the NHS Sussex Primary Care Commissioning Manager and approved by the Procurement and Provider Selection Steering Group (PPSSG). There are no identified conflicts of interest. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by midnight on 17th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR. Written representations should be sent to scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net.",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "1000580000",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services in Sussex",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "85130000",
            "description": "Dental practice and related services"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "services",
        "description": "NHS Sussex (the Commissioner) are looking to continue the Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services with the current provider in Sussex. After conducting an assessment of the incumbent provider, taking into account the key criteria and applying the basic selection criteria, the Commissioner is content that the existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is PS137,555.08, and PS275,110.16 including extensions. This transparency notice serves as an intention to award the contract to the incumbent provider, using direct award process C under Provider Selection Regime (PSR).",
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "NHS Sussex (the Commissioner) are looking to continue the Tier 2 Dental Sedation Services with the current provider in Sussex. Tier 2 dental sedation services provide dental treatment under conscious sedation for people with more complex medical histories or who need more complex treatment and moderate anxiety management than can be offered by Tier 1 dental services. The clinical standards for sedation in dentistry describe the speciality and the methods for managing anxiety management of which conscious sedation is one option. The term of the existing Sedation contract is due to expire on 31st March 2026 and the Commissioner has proposed that a new contract should replace the existing contract at the end of its term. All requirements outlined in Regulation 6(5) of the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023 have been met, including not breaching the considerable change threshold, and therefore direct award process C has been deemed the appropriate provider selection process. After conducting an assessment of the incumbent provider, taking into account the key criteria and applying the basic selection criteria, the Commissioner is content that the existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is PS137,555.08, and PS275,110.16 including extensions. A full procurement for this service is in the pipeline and has a planned start date of April 2027. Other providers in Sussex will have the opportunity to bid for this contract when it is fully procured. This transparency notice serves as an intention to award the contract to the incumbent provider, using direct award process C under Provider Selection Regime (PSR). This procurement has been carried out by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit (SCW) on behalf of the Commissioners.",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "The existing provider is satisfying the original contract and will likely satisfy the proposed contract to a sufficient standard",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "100"
                        },
                        {
                            "type": "price",
                            "description": "30"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "hasOptions": false,
                "status": "cancelled"
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKJ2"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "limited",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition",
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "procurementMethodRationaleClassifications": [
            {
                "id": "D_OUTSIDE_SCOPE",
                "scheme": "TED_PT_AWARD_CONTRACT_WITHOUT_CALL",
                "description": "The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the directive"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethodRationale": "This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by midnight on 17th February 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "Contract award took place on 18th February 2026 following conclusion of the standstill period. The contract term will be for an initial period of 12 months, with an option to extend for a further 12 months at the sole discretion of the Commissioner. The service is anticipated to commence on the 1st April 2026. The total contract value excluding extensions is PS137,555.08, and PS275,110.16 including extensions. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) confirmation of contract award notice. This contract has been awarded under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and The Procurement Act 2023 do not apply to this award. This contract has now been formally awarded using direct award process C."
            }
        ]
    },
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "009846-2026-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-173464",
                    "name": "Pitchforth A & Elalami M"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-173463",
            "name": "NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board",
                "noIdentifierRationale": "notOnAnyRegister"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Lewes",
                "region": "UKJ2",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "email": "scwcsu.procurement@nhs.net"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.sussex.ics.nhs.uk/",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "BODY_PUBLIC",
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Body governed by public law"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "07",
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "description": "Health"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-173464",
            "name": "Pitchforth A & Elalami M",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Pitchforth A & Elalami M",
                "noIdentifierRationale": "notOnAnyRegister"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Hastings",
                "region": "UKJ2",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-173463",
        "name": "NHS Sussex Integrated Care Board"
    },
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "009846-2026-1",
            "awardID": "009846-2026-1",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 275110.16,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2026-02-03T00:00:00Z"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}