Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service
Crown Office, 25 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LA
Contact
Audrey
audrey.cameron@andersonstrathern.co.uk
Telephone
+44 1412426060
Fax
+44 8445614069
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKM - Scotland
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00292
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Public order and safety
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Supply of Neuropathology Services
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85111800 - Pathology services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Lord Advocate, through the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) has responsibility in Scotland for the prosecution of crime and the investigation of sudden or suspicious deaths which require further investigation. As part of the process of investigating deaths, the Procurator Fiscal may, in order to establish the cause and mechanism of death, instruct specialist diagnostic neuropathology services.
This is currently provided through a single national point of contact which is due to expire in September 2022. There are a limited number of pathologists who have this specialism and the purpose of this notice is to test the market in order to assess fully what the issues are.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £750,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
Main site or place of performance
The whole of Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
In order to assist the forensic pathologists to ascertain the cause and manner of death, specialist forensic neuropathological investigations may be required/necessary. In effect the forensic neuropathologist is the technical expert in neuropathology providing information/reports for the pathologists to enable them to complete their post mortem reports for COPFS.
The forensic neuropathologist will require to perform gross and microscopic examination of brains and spinal cords and other relevant areas. COPFS would prefer that this is in situ with the forensic neuropathologist potentially travelling to the location of the post mortem on the deceased.
In addition, the forensic neuropathologist may require to discuss the findings with the forensic pathologist and the staff from COPFS and may if require by COPFS assist with providing information to the bereaved families.
The forensic neuropathologist may require to provide reports and also attend courts and inquiries as an expert witness.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
2 September 2022
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 prior information notice is issued for the purpose of conducting pre-procurement market engagement and does not constitute any commitment to undertake any procurement in the future. Interested parties will not be prejudiced by any response or failure to respond to the PIN and a response to this PIN does not guarantee any invitation to participate in this event or any future procurement.
This PIN does not constitute a call for competition to procure any services, supplies or works mentioned in this PIN and the Contracting Authority will not accept any proposals offered in response to this PIN. COPFS is not liable for any costs, fees, or expenses incurred by any party in replying to the PIN or completing the questionnaire.
Anderson Strathern LLP are undertaking the procurement on behalf of COPFS who are the Contracting Authority and all enquiries should be directed to the contact detailed at Section I.1).
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
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=701311.
(SC Ref:701311)