Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
The Common Services Agency (more commonly known as NHS National Services Scotland) ("NSS")
Gyle Square (NSS Head Office), 1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB
Contact
Gordon Dickson
Telephone
+44 1313145522
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM - Scotland
Internet address(es)
Main address
http://www.nss.nhs.scot/browse/procurement-and-logistics
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA11883
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
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Microbiology Testing Managed Service
Reference number
NSS000523
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 50421000 - Repair and maintenance services of medical equipment
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
SNBTS requires a fully integrated microbiology testing system including all the mandatory and discretionary microbiology testing within a managed service. This includes the test kits, instrumentation and data management software to deliver a final result to the SNBTS information management system(s).
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 50421000 - Repair and maintenance services of medical equipment
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
SNBTS collects approximately 160,000 blood and tissue donations each year, these are tested at the Jack Copland Centre in Edinburgh within the Manufacturing Department of SNBTS. The Manufacturing Department performs a wide range of testing services; these include the large-scale serological screening of blood and tissue donations for microbiological markers such as HBsAg, HCV, HIV and Syphilis. Discretionary testing of HTLV, HBc and CMV. There is also a requirement for smaller scale screening for malaria antibodies on selected donations.
SNBTS also requires a solution to allow archiving of samples.
After testing, the whole of the remaining PPT tube is archived. Hard copy of the result data is also retained for thirty (30) years. The electronic copy of the raw test data is maintained in archive databases and retained indefinitely. SNBTS is currently using “Item Tracker” (archiving database). The Supplier MUST provide a solution for creating appropriate plate maps for integration into “Item Tracker” in such a way that the sample is later retrievable.
During the course of the contract SNBTS may look to introduce additional testing/protocols into the contract. This would be in relation to the introduction of any new mandatory/discretionary markers. This would be fully discussed with the successful Supplier and SNBTS would expect the Supplier to provide options for inclusion in the contract.
Future Potential Impacts
SNBTS in line with other Blood Authorities will be starting to collect plasma for medicines (PFM) since the option to fractionate UK plasma has opened again.
PFM is expected to be 5 year phased implementation with minimal impact in the early years of the contract. (Up to 10% increase). SNBTS will update and work with the successful supplier or bidders where information is available throughout the process where known. Beyond 5 years there is likely to be a larger increase that will increase the contract.
Additional QC testing may be required as an impact of implementation of plasma for medicines. Dependant on the volume of testing SNBTS may wish to cease outsourcing of Total protein testing and source a suitable platform for use within SNBTS. Figures for this have yet to be defined however SNBTS would like to enter discussions to see if operationally it is viable to bring this in house. It is expected that this would be able to be accommodated with a modification of any contract put in place due to the estimated value of this testing.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Technical / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
84
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
The Authority shall be entitled, at its option, to continue this Agreement beyond the Initial Term for three (3) twelve (12) Contract Month periods subject to giving not less than nine (9) Contract Months’ notice to the Contractor.
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
List and brief description of selection criteria
As per Section 4B of the SPD Bidders must provide information on Economic and Financial Standing in the section of the SPD relating to this.
4B (1.71.3) – Last 3 years’ general/average turnover
Insurance Requirements:
4B (1.71.13)
Employer's (Compulsory) Liability: Five Million Pounds Sterling (GBP 5,000,000)
Public Liability: Five Million Pounds Sterling (GBP 5,000,000)
Product Liability: Five Million Pounds Sterling (GBP 5,000,000)
three.1.3) Technical and professional ability
List and brief description of selection criteria
As per Section 4C (question 1.74.3 - 4C.1.2) of the SPD Bidders must provide information on Services in the section of the SPD relating to this.
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Open procedure
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.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
20 May 2024
Local time
2:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
27 May 2024
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
six.3) Additional information
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 25803. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
(SC Ref:758734)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Court of Session
Parliament House, Parliament Square
Edinburgh
EH1 1RQ
Country
United Kingdom