21 Overview of the procurement process Procurement timeline The indicative timings of the procurement process are summarised in the table below. The dates are the expected dates at the time of issuing this prospectus and may be subject to change. Procurement procedure overview The PCT will follow a process similar to the competitive dialogue procedure for this procurement. More detailed information will be made available at a later stage, but an outline of the procedure is summarised below: . Expression of interest ( EOI) Any FT trust that considers itself suitably qualified to become the new manager of Community Services is invited to register its interest. To register an EOI, please follow the guidance set out on page 24. . Bidder information event To ensure all bidders are given an equal opportunity to fully understand the requirements of the procurement, the PCT intends to hold a bidder information event to outline the procurement principles, processes and next steps. Further details of this event will be provided following receipt of EOIs. Milestones Date Publish Advert and Prospectus and invite Expressions of Interest 6 August Deadline for receipt of Expressions of Interest 4 September Bidder information event 24 September Issue PQQ to potential bidders who have expressed an interest 25 September Deadline for receipt of PQQ submissions 16 October Complete PQQ evaluation, short list bidders and communicate results 28 October Dialogue stage November Tender stage December to February Contract award March

22 . Pre- qualification questionnaire ( PQQ) The PQQ is designed to evaluate the capacity, capability and eligibility of potential bidders to provide the services which are the subject of the procurement. The PQQ will be issued to all bidders who have submitted an EOI by the deadline. PQQ responses will be evaluated and bidders will be informed whether or not they have been short- listed. . Dialogue stage Short- listed bidders will be invited to participate in a dialogue process during which aspects of the project will be discussed and solutions developed. . Tender stage At the conclusion of the dialogue stage the bidders remaining in the process will be issued with an Invitation to Tender ( ITT). This will set out the requirements for the final bid, the information required from bidders, the evaluation criteria and the timescales for submission of final bids. . Contract award Based on the outcome of the ITT evaluation, recommendations will be made to the PCT board for it to consider. Subject to PCT board approvals the PCT and the successful FT will enter into the contract. Following contract award and in accordance with the provider's mobilisation plan, the PCT and provider will work together towards service commencement at the contractually agreed date. The PCT will monitor and assess the successful provider's performance against agreed criteria. The provider will be expected to perform in accordance with agreed contractual terms and conditions which will be rigorously applied. The PCT is continuously striving to improve its own performance and expects the same commitment from its service providers.