- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. Absorbable Braided Sutures
- Lot 2. Absorbable Monofilament Sutures
- Lot 3. Absorbable Ties
- Lot 4. Non Absorbable Braided Sutures
- Lot 5. Non Absorbable Monofilament Sutures
- Lot 6. Non Absorbable Ties
- Lot 7. Non Absorbable Steel Wires
- Lot 8. Knotless Sutures
- Lot 9. Anti Microbial Sutures
- Lot 10. Non Invasive Wound Closure Product
- Lot 11. Skin Adhesive External complete with Applicator
- Lot 12. Skin Staplers
- Lot 13. Staple Extractors
- Lot 14. Skin Staplers and Staple Extractors
- Lot 15. Wound Closure and Tissue Accessories (Not pacing wires and nylon tape)
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
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.2) Information about joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
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
Wound Closure Products
Reference number
NP51422
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
The Framework Participant must be able a range of Wound Closure Products, were delivery will be direct to the NDC (National Distribution Centre) and across the NHS Scotland health boards.
We envisage awarding 6 (six) suppliers to each lot.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £14,925,486
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Absorbable Braided Sutures
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Absorbable Braided Sutures across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £6,138,859
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Absorbable Monofilament Sutures
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Absorbable Monofilament Sutures across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £1,962,948
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Absorbable Ties
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Absorbable Ties across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £282,864
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non Absorbable Braided Sutures
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Non Absorbable Braided Sutures across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £1,556,296
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non Absorbable Monofilament Sutures
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Non Absorbable Monofilament Suture across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £2,790,052
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non Absorbable Ties
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Non Absorbable Ties across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non Absorbable Steel Wires
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Non Absorbable Steel Wires across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £255,727
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Knotless Sutures
Lot No
8
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Knotless Sutures across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,406
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Anti Microbial Sutures
Lot No
9
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Anti Microbial Sutures cross a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £1,729,648
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non Invasive Wound Closure Product
Lot No
10
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Non Invasive Wound Closure product across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Skin Adhesive External complete with Applicator
Lot No
11
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 24911200 - Adhesives
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Skin Adhesive External complete with Applicator across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Skin Staplers
Lot No
12
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 30197320 - Staplers
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Skin Staplers across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £67,485
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Staple Extractors
Lot No
13
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 30197321 - Staple removers
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Staple Extractors across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £43,868
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Skin Staplers and Staple Extractors
Lot No
14
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 30197321 - Staple removers
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Skin Staplers and Staple Extractors across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £10,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Wound Closure and Tissue Accessories (Not pacing wires and nylon tape)
Lot No
15
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 33141121 - Surgical sutures
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKM - Scotland
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
We are require a range of Wound Closure and Tissue Accessories (Not pacing wires and nylon tape) across a range of different sizes for delivery into the NDC (National Distribution Centre) at Larkhall, South Lanarkshire and also direct to all health boards across NHS Scotland.
We envisage awarding 6 (Six) suppliers to this lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Quality criterion - Name: Training & Support / Weighting: 20
Price - Weighting: 80
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £50,033
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
36
This contract is subject to renewal
Yes
Description of renewals
2 optional extension periods both consisting of 12 months can be utilised by the Authority.
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.12) Information about electronic catalogues
Tenders must be presented in the form of electronic catalogues or include an electronic catalogue
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.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity, including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions
Economic operators may be excluded from this competition if they are in breach of any of the situations referred to in regulation 58 of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015.
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 several operators
Envisaged maximum number of participants to the framework agreement: 90
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
12 January 2023
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: 31 March 2023
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
12 January 2023
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
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
six.3) Additional information
The Common Services Agency (more commonly known as National Services Scotland) (‘the Authority’) acting through its division National Procurement, is undertaking this procurement of (add description here…) (‘Products’) on behalf of all entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978, (i.e. all NHS Scotland Health Boards, Special Health Boards and the Authority or other NHS Organisation established pursuant to the NHS (Scotland) Act 1978), any integrated Join Boards established pursuant to the new Public Bodies (Joint Working) Scotland Act 2014 (collectively hereafter referred to as ‘Participating Authorities’), where applicable and Scottish Hospices.
The estimated values referred to in Section II.1.5 and 11.2.6 covers the 5 years contract duration plus the 2 x 12 months extension period of the framework agreement.
The buyer is using PCS-Tender to conduct this ITT exercise. The Project code is 22542. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2343
A sub-contract clause has been included in this contract. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2363
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:
It is a mandatory requirement that potential framework participants agree to support the concept, provision and ongoing development of community benefits provision in relation to this framework.
Potential framework participants are required to agree to this mandatory requirement. They are also requested to provide a brief summary of the community benefits that have recently been delivered within Scotland, if at all, and also what impact and outcomes these have achieved.
Potential framework participants are required to summarise any proposed community benefits that will be developed and delivered as part of this contract if successful or, alternatively, potential framework participants confirm that they will engage with the NHS Scotland’s Community Benefits Gateway (CBG). This gateway, developed through requests from suppliers seeking opportunities to support the delivery of community benefits within the contracting region, provides information on community benefit opportunities. The CBG is a free and easy to use online service that connects NHS Scotland suppliers with third sector community organisations within Scotland and will be used for tracking and reporting and is an approved compliant route to the realisation of community benefits.
For further information please visit NHSS Community Benefit Gateway
(SC Ref:713162)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Sheriff Court House
27 Chambers Street
Edinburgh
EH1 1LB
Country
United Kingdom
six.4.3) Review procedure
Precise information on deadline(s) for review procedures
The Authority will notify economic operators who submitted a tender or (where no deselection notification has previously been made) applied to be selected to tender, of its decision to award the framework agreement which notification will contain among other information, a summary of the reasons why the economic operators was unsuccessful. The notification will incorporate a ‘standstill period’ of a minimum of 10 clear calendar days (or a minimum of 15 if the communication method used is not electronic) between the date on which the Authority dispatches the notice(s) and the date on which the Authority proposes to conclude the relevant framework agreement. The bringing of court proceedings against the Authority during the standstill period will automatically continue the prohibition on entering into the framework agreement until the court proceedings are determined, discontinued or disposed of, or the court, by interim order, brings to an end the prohibition. The remedies that may be awarded by the courts before the framework agreement has been entered into include the setting aside of the decision to award the framework agreement to the winning tenderer(s). The bringing of court proceedings against the Authority after the framework agreement has been entered into will not affect the framework agreement unless grounds for the imposition of special penalties under the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015 can be established. Otherwise, the remedies that may be awarded by the courts where the framework agreement has been entered into are limited to the award of damages.