---
title: "Step Down Beds Framework - NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB"
ocid: "ocds-h6vhtk-03532c"
canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-03532c"
markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03532c.md"
json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03532c.json"
source: "Find A Tender Service"
current_stage: "Tender"
buyer: "NHS BEDFORDSHIRE, LUTON AND MILTON KEYNES ICB"
published: "2022-07-18"
---

# Step Down Beds Framework - NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB

Buyer: NHS BEDFORDSHIRE, LUTON AND MILTON KEYNES ICB  
Current stage: Tender  
OCID: ocds-h6vhtk-03532c

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## Summary

The NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is currently advancing a public procurement process titled "Step Down Beds Framework," focusing on the healthcare industry. This open tender invites expressions of interest from qualified providers for services related to step-down beds, specifically designed for individuals recuperating after acute inpatient treatment. The procurement process is in the active planning stage, with a submission deadline set for 17 August 2022. The awarded contracts will encompass an initial period from 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2026, with the possibility of a two-year extension, subject to the commissioner’s discretion. The total value of the contract is estimated at £36 million, covering delivery across the Bedfordshire, Luton, and Milton Keynes regions.

This opportunity presents substantial avenues for business growth, especially for healthcare providers with experience in delivering step-down or transitional care services. Companies specialising in rehabilitation, long-term care, or community health services would be particularly well-suited to compete in this tender. With contracts awarded on a framework agreement basis, successful bidders will enter a partnership with the BLMK ICB, potentially benefiting from ongoing demand for their services over the contract duration. Additionally, businesses that can demonstrate solid professional credentials and financial stability will have an advantage in the competitive selection process.

## Notice

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers D2A Step-down ("the service"), to be delivered across the population of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.

### Lot Information

Lot 1

NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes Integrated Care Board (BLMK ICB) is inviting expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers D2A Step-down ("the service"), to be delivered across the population of Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes. The aim of commissioning step down beds is to provide a community bed for patients who have had an acute inpatient episode, but who are not yet ready to go home, and who need a period of recouperation and recovery. This cohort will also include people who may require a residential long-term placement. This may be because they need a further period of recovery before being able to engage in active rehabilitation; they may need some additional rehabilitation therapy before being able to return home: or it may be that they have yet to complete their Continuing Healthcare or Social Care Assessments for their long-term care needs prior to discharge home or to a long-term placement. Contracts will be awarded on a framework agreement with multiple providers. The total number of providers within the framework will be based on the capacity of providers however it is expected to be between 10-15 based on the minimum capacity levels identified. Providers will be able to supply beds across multiple sites and localities however each site must meet the required minimum capacity levels. The contract will be for an initial period of 3 years from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2026, with an option to extend for up to a further two years until 31st March 2028 at the discretion of the commissioner. The Commissioner reserves the right to open future windows at their discretion for additional providers if increased capacity is required. These windows may be opened at any time subject to the need and discretion of the Commissioner. The service specification including tariff information and all associated documentation can be found within the attachments area of the project on EU-Supply. To access the documentation please visit EU-Supply on the link below and access project 56730 - Step Down Beds Framework - NHS Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB. EU-Supply link: https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=UK

Options: The contract will be for an initial period of 3 years from 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2026, with an option to extend for up to a further two years until 31st March 2028 at the discretion of the commissioner.

## Key Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication source | Find A Tender Service |
| Latest notice | https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019588-2022 |
| Notice type | Tender Notice |
| Procurement type | Standard |
| Procurement category | Services |
| Procurement method | Open |
| Procurement method details | Open procedure |
| Tender suitability | Not specified |
| Awardee scale | Not specified |
| All stages | Tender |

## Dates

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Publication date | 18 Jul 2022 |
| Submission deadline | 17 Aug 2022 |
| Future notice date | Not specified |
| Award date | Not specified |
| Contract period | 31 Mar 2023 - 31 Mar 2028 |
| Recurrence | Not specified |

## Values

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender value | £36,000,000 |
| Lots value | £36,000,000 |
| Awards value | Not specified |
| Contracts value | Not specified |

## Status

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Tender status | Active |
| Lots status | Active |
| Awards status | Not specified |
| Contracts status | Not specified |

## Buyer

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Main buyer | NHS BEDFORDSHIRE, LUTON AND MILTON KEYNES ICB |
| Locality | LUTON |
| Post town | Luton |
| Postcode | LU1 2LJ |
| Country | England |
| ITL 1 | TLH East (England) |
| ITL 2 | TLH2 Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire |
| ITL 3 | TLH21 Luton |
| Local authority | Luton |
| Electoral ward | Central |
| Westminster constituency | Luton South and South Bedfordshire |
| Delivery location | Not specified |

## CPV Codes

### Divisions

- 85 - Health and social work services

### Codes

- 85100000 - Health services

## Release History

- 18 Jul 2022 at 15:11 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/019588-2022

## Notice URLs

- https://bedfordshirelutonandmiltonkeynes.icb.nhs.uk/
- https://uk.eu-supply.com
- https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=UK
- https://www.ardengemcsu.nhs.uk/

## Provenance

This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-h6vhtk-03532c. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-h6vhtk-03532c.json.