Planning

NHS Scotland Assure Research Service Commissioning Partner

  • The Common Services Agency (more commonly known as NHS National Services Scotland) ("NSS")

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2021/S 000-013139

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-02bac6

Published 11 June 2021, 9:05am



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

Kris Lindsay, Head of Procurement

Email

kris.lindsay@nhs.scot

Telephone

+44 1312757454

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

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at

https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/esop/pts-host/public/pts/web/login.html

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

NHS Scotland Assure Research Service Commissioning Partner

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 73110000 - Research services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

The NHS Scotland Assure Research, Development & Innovation Service seeks to award a contract for a lead agency to support the assessment, management and administration of a portfolio of research projects. The successful bidder will be expected to support the assessment of calls alongside NHS Scotland Assure and facilitate and manage associated research projects, in alignment to specific research needs and priorities as defined by NHS Scotland Assure. The successful bidder will ensure the implementation of appropriate oversight and governance structures and processes for research commissioning and management; inclusive of overall responsibility for the administration and management of agreed third party funds.

The NHS Scotland Assure Research, Development and Innovation service is a service whose remit is to achieve a coordinated research portfolio, supporting the development of evidence-based guidance and research, to deliver safe healthcare environments that are free from avoidable risk. Further to the above, the service will seek to ensure that the most up to date and robust research is translated into practice as new and emerging evidence become available.

The service will share best practice and changes in standards/models for the built environment (as detailed in the scope below) across the world to inform and learn from guidance and capital projects. Alongside identification, prioritisation and coordination of research areas and activities the service will cultivate and sustain international connections with built environment and IP&C subject matter experts, healthcare providers, academia and research institutions.

The service will commission, tender and disseminate research worldwide whilst working alongside other NHS Scotland Assure services (e.g. Assurance and Guidance) to identify priority research needs and ensure they are aware of, and respond to, findings of published research as it becomes available. This will not only support NHS Scotland Health Boards to increase their knowledge to manage built environment risks, but will also ensure Scotland is recognised internationally as an expert in the field.

The scope of research areas includes, but is not limited to;

- Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of water systems including drainage-

- Design, installation, commissioning and maintenance of Ventilation systems

- Pathogens, the microbiome, AMR, transmission risks and burden of disease in the hospital environment

- Hospital design including size and single room provision; e.g. hand wash basin provision / waterless / surface design to reduce transmission

- The built environment post-pandemic and lessons learned from COVID-19

- Human factors/Ergonomics and Infection Prevention and Control in hospital design and the built environment and how it is used

- Climate change requirements and the unintended consequences on built environment risks

- The role of safety and harms in relation to medical gases, electrical systems and fire safety, and their impact on patient and staff safety in the hospital environment

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £1,000,000

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
  • 73100000 - Research and experimental development services
  • 73110000 - Research services

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKM - Scotland

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

This requirement comes under the scope of Research and development services as defined within Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 therefore the regulations do not apply to this procurement process. However, to identify a suitable Research Partner the Authority has elected to conduct a light touch procurement process following the principles of transparency, equal treatment, non-discrimination, and proportionality.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

12 July 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

The Authority intends to hold a virtual Spotlight Session to provide interested bidders with further information on the requirement and allow bidders to ask the Authority any relevant questions.

The virtual spotlight session will take place on 29/06/21 @ 1pm. Please note interest to receive an invitation to the session.

If you have any further questions in relation to the requirement, please contact Kris Lindsay (kris.lindsay@nhs.scot) or Sarah Gibson (sarah.gibson4@nhs.scot).

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=655917.

(SC Ref:655917)