Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS Highland
Assynt House, Beechwood Park
Inverness
IV2 3BW
Telephone
+44 1463704000
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00302
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Ministry or any other national or federal authority
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
HH072-25-HB Specialist Environmental Aids for Deaf People
Reference number
HH072-25-HB
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 33185000 - Hearing aids
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
NHS Highland requires the provision of Environmental Aids and Equipment to enhance independence, safety, and overall wellbeing for individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region.
Maintenance and Repair Support
Offer assistance with the servicing and repair of hearing-related equipment provided to individuals.
Recycling and Disposal of Non-Functional Equipment
Facilitate the responsible recycling and disposal of returned equipment that is no longer operational.
Training and Advisory Services for Deaf Support Staff
Deliver expert guidance and training to deaf support staff on the use, functionality, and appropriateness of specialist aids and equipment tailored to the needs of individuals with hearing loss.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £125,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33196200 - Devices for the disabled
- 33196100 - Devices for the elderly
- 33196000 - Medical aids
- 33185000 - Hearing aids
- 33185100 - Parts and accessories for hearing aids
- 85120000 - Medical practice and related services
- 32552150 - Telephones for visually-impaired
- 32552160 - Telephones for hearing-impaired
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM6 - Highlands and Islands
Main site or place of performance
NHS Highland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHS Highland is seeking to engage a suitably qualified organisation to deliver a comprehensive service for the provision of environmental aids and equipment designed to enhance the independence, safety, and overall wellbeing of individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region.
The appointed contractor will be responsible for the following key service components:
Supply of Aids and Equipment: Provision of specialist environmental aids and equipment to eligible individuals, on a loan basis, as determined by NHS Highland’s established risk and eligibility criteria.
Maintenance and Repair Services: Facilitation of repairs to issued equipment where feasible, ensuring that returned items are restored to a functional condition suitable for re-issue, thereby supporting the sustainability and efficiency of the service.
Recycling and Disposal Compliance: Management of equipment recycling and disposal in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are upheld.
Training and Advisory Support: Delivery of expert guidance and training to deaf support staff, covering the operation, functionality, and appropriateness of the aids and equipment provided, to ensure optimal use and benefit for individuals with hearing loss.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Quality / Weighting: 70
Cost criterion - Name: Cost / Weighting: 30
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
1 April 2026
End date
31 March 2029
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
An option to extend for a further 12 months
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section three. Legal, economic, financial and technical information
three.1) Conditions for participation
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 a single operator
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: 2025/S 000-068313
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
9 February 2026
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
Tender must be valid until: 9 April 2026
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
9 February 2026
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published: If we are to retender this procurement it will be readvertised around 2029.
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 30805. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: https://www.gov.scot/policies/public-sector-procurement/community-benefits-in-procurement/
A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows:
The Contractor shall work closely with NHSH to identify any areas which can improve the economic, social, environmental wellbeing and assist in the reduction of health inequalities across NHS Highland Health Board area.
Some community initiatives which will be targeted for delivery include, but are not restricted to, delivery of the following:
- Targeted Recruitment and Training Initiatives
- Educational Support Initiatives
- Vocational Training/Projects
- Supply Chain Development
- Community and Environmental Initiatives
- Supported Business, Third Sector and Voluntary Initiatives
- Social Enterprise and Co-operative Initiatives
- Equality and Diversity Initiatives
- Poverty Initiatives
- The provision of professional advice
This could also include identifying sustainable products in a cost-effective manner, and promoting innovation. In order to ensure the highest standards of service quality in this contract we expect contractors to agree to support the concept, provision and on-going development of Community Benefits provision in relation to this Contract.
(SC Ref:819000)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
The Inverness Justice Center
Inverness
IV1 1AH
Country
United Kingdom