ESTA requires an Employee Assistance Program (EAP or 'the Program') that includes Core and Optional Extra Services designed in a way that:
a. improves the mental health and wellbeing of front-line workers;
b. accommodates the rostered work arrangements of ESTA operational employees to ensure convenient access outside of standard 9am-5pm business hours, given our people are rostered 24/7, 365 days a year; and
c. considers market changes and notifies ESTA of innovation to service delivery which improves attainment of the objectives during the contract life.

ESTA requires critical incident support and onsite counselling services at all three State Emergency Communications Centres (SECCs), and ESTA's Support Office. Additional core services which provide for offsite options are requested, including but not limited to, face-to-face at provider locations, telehealth, and/or virtual counselling service that are short-term, solution-focused sessions between an ESTA employee and a registered clinician.

ESTA is issuing this Request for Tender (RFT) with the view to form a Standing Offer Agreement(s) for Services for a minimum term of four (4) years, with a one (1) year option to extend, at ESTA’s sole discretion. The Program will provide a combination of Services which are available to all staff and their immediate families, where direct employees are still able to access support up to 24 months post-exiting ESTA. ESTA currently has around 1400 active employees, of which approximately 16% of staff utilise EAP services.

The following Victorian Government Purchasing Board supply policies and conditions are applicable:

1. Contractors must have a selection of APRHA Registered Psychologists and AASW Registered Social Workers with experience in the provision of trauma-informed care in emergency services settings and extensive experience supporting emergency services personnel, including specialised training in best practice trauma-informed care.
2. Contractors must have clinicians’ availability outside of standard business hours (9AM-5PM) to accommodate shift work rosters.
3. Contractors must be able to commence the Program mid 2023 - including a transition period of service with complete onsite services commencing by 1 July 2023 & all additional services in place by 31 August 2023.
4. As per the Local Jobs First Act 2003, all Respondents must prepare a Local Industry Development Plan (LIDP) and submit this with Industry Capability Network (ICN) Victoria early in the tender preparation process to avoid undue delays in preparing a LIDP. Please refer to VMC: https://icnvic.force.com.
5. Contractors must have a Fair Jobs Code Pre-Assessment Certificate Fair Jobs Code Pre-Assessment Certificate Register | Buying for Victoria
6. Contractors commit to Confidentiality and the Supplier Code of Conduct.
7. Contractors should have Quality Assurance and Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems.
8. Contractors should assist with the Victorian Government's aim to improve social outcomes in the community. For more information see Social Procurement Framework - Objectives, outcomes and key focus areas | Buying for Victoria

ESTA's Procurement Team remains the sole point of contact throughout this tender process - only use Tenders VIC for communications regarding this process.