VEAT notice Supply of ICT support services and the development and implementation of a comprehensive information system’

The Mental Health Commission entered into a contract with Capita IB Solutions Ireland Ltd, now trading as Integrated Business Software and Solutions (Ireland) Limited IBSS for Support, Managed Services and Hosting of the MHC Comprehensive Information System in October 2016 (the Contract). The Contract was awarded following an open tender competition and pursuant to a request for tenders issued by MHC on 18 March 2015 for the ‘Supply of ICT support services and the development and implementation of a comprehensive information system’ (Tender Ref: RFT 93690). The Contract was previously renewed due to competition being absent for technical reasons and with a view to understanding the requirements of a replacement solution following the enactment of the Mental Health Act. The existing arrangement is due to come to an end in March 2026. Due to the need to identify the requirements of a replacement solution, complete a tender process and implement a replacement solution, MHC intend to extend the existing arrangement with IBSS by directly awarding a contract for 2 years with two further one-year options (2 years +1 year +1 year). MHC are of the view that the extension of the Contract to match the market engagement, procurement and implementation processes for a replacement solution is permitted under the principle of the derogation in Regulation 32(2)(b) of the European Union (Award of Public Authority Contracts) Regulations 2016 due to competition being absent for technical reasons. The Contract was for an initial term of 36 months. However, the Contract was renewed due to competition being absent for technical reasons and with a view to understanding the requirements of a replacement solution following the enactment of the Mental Health Act. The Contracting Authority is directly awarding a contract to the existing provider for the same services as were provided under the original Contract due to competition being absent for technical reasons.