- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. Provision of External Audit Services
- Lot 2. Provision of Internal Audit Services
- Lot 3. Provision of Counter Fraud Services
- Lot 4. Provision of Well Led Governance Review
- Lot 5. Provision of Audit & Governance Ancillary Services
- Lot 6. Provision of Independent Workplace Investigations
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
N H S Shared Business Services
Three Cherry Tree Lane
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7AH
nsbs.categorymanagementsourcing@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Companies House
05280446
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://discovery.ariba.com/rfx/21529600
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://discovery.ariba.com/rfx/21529600
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Other type
Public Sector Framework Provider https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/nhs-sbs-about-us
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Audit Services for Health (SBS10517)
Reference number
SBS10517
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 79200000 - Accounting, auditing and fiscal services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHS Shared Business Services act in an Agency capacity for and on behalf of its customers (Approved Organisations) - existing and new. These comprise of NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) along with any other public or private sector bodies which NHS SBS authorises to use the resulting Framework
NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS) intends to put in place a Framework Agreement for the provision of Audit Services for Health and related Goods and Services for Healthcare to be used by NHS SBS Approved Organisations.
Our Approved Organisation list can be found on: https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements-categories/
The Framework will be structured using the following Lots;
Lot 1 - External Audit Services
Lot 2 - Internal Audit Services
Lot 3 - Counter Fraud Services
Lot 4 - Well-Led Governance Reviews
Lot 5 - Audit Ancillary Services
Lot 6 - Independent Workplace Investigations
We are committed to working with suppliers who are dedicated to Sustainability and Social Value and there will be a significant weighting on these elements in the tender.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £150,000,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of External Audit Services
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79210000 - Accounting and auditing services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 1 - External Audit Services
Provides an independent, effective, professional, and proactive audit of the accounts and annual financial reports.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of Internal Audit Services
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79210000 - Accounting and auditing services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 2 - Internal Audit Services
Evaluate and contribute to the improvement of governance, risk management and control processes. Examine, evaluate, and report objectively on the adequacy of internal control systems and value for money objectives.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of Counter Fraud Services
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79212100 - Financial auditing services
- 79212110 - Corporate governance rating services
- 79212400 - Fraud audit services
- 79212500 - Accounting review services
- 79313000 - Performance review services
- 79700000 - Investigation and security services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 3 - Counter Fraud Services
Providers on this lot offer the service delivery, standards and reporting requirements for the NHS set by the NHS Counter Fraud Authority (NHSCFA). Counter Fraud Services that are delivered to Approved Organisations for public sector organisations should adhere to the Government Functional Standard GovS 013: Counter Fraud and the Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) Mandate.
Providers should record all reports of suspected fraud, bribery and corruption to inform national intelligence and to support and progress the investigation of fraud, bribery and corruption allegations.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of Well Led Governance Review
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79212000 - Auditing services
- 79313000 - Performance review services
- 79700000 - Investigation and security services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 4 - Well Led Governance Review Services
A structured reference for external reviews of the contracting authority's governance and culture. It supports the contracting authority in maintaining and developing the effectiveness of their governance arrangements.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of Audit & Governance Ancillary Services
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79212000 - Auditing services
- 79313000 - Performance review services
- 79700000 - Investigation and security services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 5 - Audit and Governance Ancillary Services
This lot is applicable where the scope of work/service is wide ranging and broad in nature and does not fall directly under any of the other lots. It may include, but is not limited to: IT assurance, financial assurance, due diligence reviews, data analysis, bribery act and counter fraud training, support in developing governance arrangements, financial account checks, and reviews on invoicing.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Provision of Independent Workplace Investigations
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 79313000 - Performance review services
- 79414000 - Human resources management consultancy services
- 79700000 - Investigation and security services
- 90711100 - Risk or hazard assessment other than for construction
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Lot 6 - Independent Workplace Investigations
Intended to capture the needs of customers who have requirements in relation to conflict resolution and investigation services in both workforce management and inquiries. This could be in relation to disciplinary allegations, employee grievances, bullying and harassment, allegations of discrimination, whistleblowing and mediation.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ, SV and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
48
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
three.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions
Please refer to procurement documents
three.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
four.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-016124
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
28 February 2025
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Duration in months: 6 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
28 February 2025
Local time
1:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.3) Additional information
The value provided in 2.6 is only an estimate NHS SBS cannot guarantee to successful Suppliers any business through this Framework Agreement. Spend and volumes may vary throughout the life of the Framework Agreement from the anticipated levels given in this notice.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
High Court of England and Wales
Royal Courts of Justice
London
WC1A 2LL
Country
United Kingdom