Future opportunity

Virtual Hearings Solution

  • General Medical Council (GMC)

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice reference: 2021/S 000-002616

Published 9 February 2021, 2:40pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

General Medical Council (GMC)

3 Hardman Street

Manchester

M3 3AW

Email

gmctenders@gmc-uk.org

Telephone

+44 1619236340

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UK - UNITED KINGDOM

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://www.gmc-uk.org

Buyer's address

https://www.mytenders.co.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA19541

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

one.4) Type of the contracting authority

Other type

Health Regulator

one.5) Main activity

Health


Section two: Object

two.1) Scope of the procurement

two.1.1) Title

Virtual Hearings Solution

Reference number

GMC1208

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 32232000 - Video-conferencing equipment

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

The pandemic has necessitated a move to virtual tribunal hearings at the GMC (using Skype for Business) and we anticipate that this new approach may become BAU after the pandemic for some hearings. The current Skype process has issues around the identification and management of participants attending the hearing and is limited in terms of how it can be used for more complex hearings. A dedicated virtual hearing solution is sought to remedy the main issues identified with the current process and provide an improved experience from the perspective of Tribunal users and attendees.

Solution requirements (not exhaustive):

1. Offers a secure virtual hearing room and secure linked meeting rooms

2. Enables a Clerk to actively manage the hearing, i.e.:

a. Move participants between rooms

b. Remove participants from the hearing

c. Mute participants

d. Communicate with participants via instant messaging

e. If possible offers role-based automation options for participants joining/leaving the hearing

3. Provides clear identification of participants, ensuring GDPR compliance

4. Offers the opportunity to join hearings via browser or PSTN with the ability to ensure participant anonymity where required (i.e. vulnerable witnesses)

5. Allows the observation of hearings without participant functionality

6. Allows recording of the hearing (audio only)

7. Offers the potential to run hybrid hearings (i.e. both virtual and office-based attendees), with compatibility options for the recording of office-based hearings

Proposed Supplier Date (virtual) – 24th February am

To book a 30 minute slot, please email Chris Park (Procurement Manager) via procurement@gmc-uk.org. We will operate on a first come first served basis.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £130,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 32232000 - Video-conferencing equipment

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UK - UNITED KINGDOM

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The pandemic has necessitated a move to virtual tribunal hearings at the GMC (using Skype for Business) and we anticipate that this new approach may become BAU after the pandemic for some hearings. The current Skype process has issues around the identification and management of participants attending the hearing and is limited in terms of how it can be used for more complex hearings. A dedicated virtual hearing solution is sought to remedy the main issues identified with the current process and provide an improved experience from the perspective of Tribunal users and attendees.

Solution requirements (not exhaustive):

1. Offers a secure virtual hearing room and secure linked meeting rooms

2. Enables a Clerk to actively manage the hearing, i.e.:

a. Move participants between rooms

b. Remove participants from the hearing

c. Mute participants

d. Communicate with participants via instant messaging

e. If possible offers role-based automation options for participants joining/leaving the hearing

3. Provides clear identification of participants, ensuring GDPR compliance

4. Offers the opportunity to join hearings via browser or PSTN with the ability to ensure participant anonymity where required (i.e. vulnerable witnesses)

5. Allows the observation of hearings without participant functionality

6. Allows recording of the hearing (audio only)

7. Offers the potential to run hybrid hearings (i.e. both virtual and office-based attendees), with compatibility options for the recording of office-based hearings

Proposed Supplier Date (virtual) – 24th February am

To book a 30 minute slot, please email Chris Park (Procurement Manager) via procurement@gmc-uk.org. We will operate on a first come first served basis.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

3 May 2021


Section four. Procedure

four.1) Description

four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the myTenders Web Site at https://www.mytenders.co.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=221949.

(MT Ref:221949)