As a result of significant change in aged care since 2012, the Department for Communities and Social Inclusion (DCSI) has been transitioning Domiciliary Care Services (DCS) towards a cost recovery model in line with competitive neutrality principles. As a result, Domiciliary Care no longer provides complex care packages under the funding provided by the Commonwealth Government (Commonwealth), in line with the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

DCSI’s contract with the Commonwealth for the delivery of basic home support services, under the CHSP, expires on 30 June 2018 and it is possible that DCSI will not receive a future contract for the provision of these services.

The aged care services sector is robust and growing, with the Non-Government Sector (NGS) offering a large range of support that includes but is not limited to basic care, more intense support, and residential care.

To protect the integrity of DCS, including client and employee continuity, Cabinet has approved the proposed transfer of DCS to a NGS services provider(s) prior to 30 June 2018.

To facilitate this transfer Cabinet has approved the Department of Treasury and Finance’s (DTF) Commercial Projects Group (CPG) to undertake engagement with the market, including subsequent procurement processes, in consultation with DCSI.

The first stage of the engagement with the market will be a Market Sounding process led by the CPG.

Interested parties are required lodge a completed Registration of Interest Form (Appendix A) electronically to SA Tenders and Contracts in prder to participte in the Market Sounding process.