Award of Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS) to Somerset County Council by NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit

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NHS South, Central and West Commissioning Support Unit awarded a contract to Somerset County Council for the provision of Non-Emergency Patient Transport Services (NEPTS) in Somerset.

The contract, valued at approximately £3,120,406, covers the sourcing and delivery of medical need transport using volunteer car and taxi services, along with limited support for the social need Healthcare Travel Costs Scheme.

The services operate on a cost recovery basis, with volunteer drivers prioritized over taxi operators.

Where taxi companies are used, Somerset County Council employs a dynamic purchasing system and regular market price testing to ensure value for money.

The contract period is from 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023, with an option to extend for up to one additional year to 31 March 2024.

The award was made under Regulation 32(2)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, as the Commissioner determined that competition was absent for technical reasons and that Somerset County Council was the only provider capable of meeting the requirements.