DHSC: GPH: Mothers Living with HIV Formula Milk Funding Scheme

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) is undertaking preliminary market engagement to understand supplier interest, capability and capacity to deliver a service that ensures infants born to mothers living with HIV in England have timely access to formula milk and related sterilising equipment for up to 12 months from birth. This preliminary market engagement (and any resultant procurement) forms part of wider work by DHSC to implement actions in the HIV Action Plan for England, 2025 to 2030, specifically the commitment to fund formula milk and related sterilising equipment for the infants of women living with HIV. DHSC is seeking an outcome-focused service that:

• Provides equitable access to formula milk and related sterilising equipment for eligible families, minimising inequalities in access and outcomes.
• Operates in a manner that respects privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
• Provides a seamless and reliable service for families and referring professionals.

Current provision of formula milk support across England is variable. This inconsistent provision can create inequalities, particularly for families experiencing financial hardship, language barriers or difficulties accessing services. DHSC is seeking to establish a nationally funded service that enables eligible families to receive formula milk and related sterilising equipment from birth until the infant reaches 12 months of age.

The service should:

• Support equitable access across England, including for groups who may face additional barriers to engagement with services.
• Support referrals from multiple settings, including HIV services, antenatal clinics, primary care and VCSE organisations.
• Respect privacy, confidentiality and be sensitive to potential stigma/discrimination.
• Implement appropriate eligibility assessment, safeguarding, privacy and information governance arrangements.
• Ensure continuity of access to products that comply with all relevant regulatory and nutritional requirements, reducing the impact of potential supply disruptions.

DHSC are sharing a draft specification with the market to invite feedback from interested parties. We have not prescribed a preferred delivery model, and we welcome Potential Providers to present innovative proposals which would be capable of achieving our required outcomes as described within the specification. DHSC is particularly interested in hearing from suppliers who can demonstrate experience in and/or can meet the criteria of any of the following:

• Delivery of outsourced funding schemes for similar service provision (either locally or nationally).
• Provision, administration and/or distribution of pre-paid cards or vouchers where funds can be used by in-scope users to purchase formula milk and related sterilising equipment from retailers.
• Provision, administration and/or distribution of formula milk and related sterilising equipment directly to end users.
• Manufacturers of formula milk and related sterilising equipment.
• Retailers who supply formula milk and related sterilising equipment.
• Awareness, knowledge and understanding of HIV prevention interventions, and their role in reducing inequalities in education, access and uptake of such interventions, particularly for people most in need.

DHSC is also keen to maximise opportunities to participate in procurement for Small to Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs). Consideration will be given to consortia and collaborative bids from all forms of organisations. DHSC will also accept responses at the PME stage from external stakeholder groups who hold an active interest in this opportunity but may not have the capability and/or interest to deliver the services. Feedback from the market will be taken into consideration to help shape the departments proposed scope to ensure that the offer meets service needs. Please note that at this stage a route to market has not yet been determined. However, should the outcome of this PME determine that the best value route to market is via a framework or DPS, then any subsequent invitation to tender and notices will be restricted to those organisations which are appointed to the applicable framework or DPS, and will be governed by the PCR 2015 or the PA 2023 as stipulated by the framework or DPS in question. Contract Value: The estimated total value of the contract is £350,000.00 per annum, including VAT. This annual value is applicable to the initial term, and the optional extension period(s). Contract Term: An initial term of 14-months (inclusive of 2 months mobilisation), with the option to extend for one or more further periods up to a maximum of 24 months.

Disclaimers - this PME:

• Does not signify the commencement of a competitive procurement.
• Does not constitute any commitment by the Department of Health and Social Care to procure services.
• Does not create any obligation on the Department.
• Does not provide a competitive advantage to any suppliers engaging with DHSC at this early stage, and DHSC will ensure equal treatment of all interested parties at all times. Details of the preliminary market engagement process undertaken will be included within any resultant procurement documentation.

Any funding estimates referenced are indicative only and subject to change. The Department makes no commitment at this stage to the final scope or funding envelope of any future contractual activity.