- Scope of the procurement
- Lot 1. High Dependency Transport
- Lot 2a. Bariatric Transport
- Lot 2b. Secure Mental Health Transport
- Lot 2c. Paediatric and Neonatal Transport
- Lot 2d. Palliative and End of Life Transport
- Lot 2e. Sitting and Wheelchair Transport
- Lot 2f. Stretcher Vehicle Transport
- Lot 3. Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service
- Lot 4. Transportation Marketplace
Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
N H S Shared Business Services
Three Cherry Tree Lane
Hemel Hempstead
HP2 7AH
nsbs.categorymanagementsourcing@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
Companies House
05280446
Internet address(es)
Main address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://discovery.ariba.com/rfx/21236835
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://discovery.ariba.com/rfx/21236835
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Other type
Public Sector Framework Provider https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/nhs-sbs-about-us
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Transportation and Travel Services for Health (SBS10513)
Reference number
SBS10513
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHS Shared Business Services act in an Agency capacity for and on behalf of its customers (Approved Organisations) - existing and new. These comprise of NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) along with any other public or private sector bodies which NHS SBS authorises to use the resulting Framework.
NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS) intends to put in place a Framework Agreement for the provision of Transportation and Travel Services for Health and related Goods and Services for Healthcare to be used by NHS SBS Approved Organisations. Approved Organisations are NHS and Social Care organisations (whether acting individually, or on behalf of, or together as members of any consortia) or any combined authority, integrated care board, local authority, NHS England, NHS foundation trust, NHS trust or any other body listed as a "relevant authority" in the National Health Service Act 2006, which the Authority authorises to use the resulting Framework.
Our Approved Organisation list can be found on:
https://www.sbs.nhs.uk/services/framework-agreements-categories/
The Framework/DPS will be structured using the following Lots;
Lot 1 - High Dependency Transport
Lot 2 - Specialist Vehicle Transport containing:
Lot 2a - Bariatric Transport
Lot 2b - Secure Mental Health Transport
Lot 2c - Paediatric and Neonatal Transport
Lot 2d - Palliative and End of Life Transport
Lot 2e - Sitting and Wheelchair Transport
Lot 2f - Stretcher Vehicle Transport
Lot 3 - Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service
Lot 4 - Transportation Marketplace
We are committed to working with suppliers who are dedicated to Sustainability and Social Value and there will be a significant weighting on these elements in the tender.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £1,500,000,000
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
High Dependency Transport
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
High dependency transport is defined as the transportation of critically unwell patients who require a higher-level of medical care and monitoring throughout the journey. Providers awarded onto this lot must deliver High Dependency transportation for higher acuity/critically unwell patients requiring the skillset of a registered paramedic or Institute of Health and Care Development (IHDC), First Response Emergency Care (FREC 5) or Associate Ambulance Practitioners (AAP) qualified Technician.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities.
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Bariatric Transport
Lot No
2a
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Bariatric Transport refers to the short or long-distance transportation of bariatric patients. A bariatric patient (larger person) can be defined as anyone regardless of age, who has limitations in health and social care due to their weight, physical size, shape, width, health, mobility. Bariatric transportation providers are typically required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course, with a regulated body.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities,
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Secure Mental Health Transport
Lot No
2b
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Secure Mental Health transport relates to safe transportation of mental health patients. It is anticipated that patients may present with complex presentations i.e. physically violent, aggressive, and detained under a section of the Mental Health Act.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Paediatric and Neonatal Transport
Lot No
2c
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Paediatric and Neonatal transport is defined as the specialised transportation of critically unwell children and infants. It is foreseen that this service will include:
• Out of hospital care
• Emergency retrievals
• Planned transfers/repatriation
Bidders are typically required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course. Blue lights may be required due to the nature of referrals.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Palliative and End of Life Transport
Lot No
2d
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Palliative and End of Life transport refers to the specialised transport of patients who are nearing the end of their life or require palliative care during transport.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Sitting and Wheelchair Transport
Lot No
2e
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Sitting and Wheelchair Accessible Ambulances are designed for patients who can sit upright or use a wheelchair. This service is required to have one or two members of staff.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Stretcher Vehicle Transport
Lot No
2f
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Stretcher Vehicle Transport is designed for patients who are unable to sit up or require lying down during Transport. Generally, it is required to have two ambulance care assistants, who must be certified in first aid through an Accredited Ambulance Care Assistant Course, with a regulated body.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Non-Emergency Patient Transport Managed Service
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Providers awarded onto this lot must have the ability to cover and manage all the scope of Lots 1 and 2:
• High Dependency Transport
• Bariatric Transport
• Secure Mental Health Transport
• Paediatric and Neonatal Transport
• Palliative and End of Life Transport
• Sitting and Wheelchair Accessible Transport
• Stretcher Vehicle Transport
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Transportation Marketplace
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85143000 - Ambulance services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Providers awarded onto this lot must provide an online cloud-based platform for Contracting Authorities to book and manage their transportation services, including but not limited to Patient Transport Services (as per Lots 1-3).
The awarded provider must have a supply chain of transportation providers that can fulfil the above requirements.
Bidders will deliver all the mandatory requirements as detailed in the Specification section of the Framework Agreement.
There are additional Selection Qualification (SQ), Award Questionnaire (AQ) requirements, and Bidder Declarations applicable, and Bidders are asked to respond to these also.
Where the Bidder does not score a minimum of 60% in total (AQ and Price combined) the Authority shall exclude the submission from being appointed to the framework.
Additionally, NHS SBS reserves the right to award to any Bidder whose final score is within 1% of the last awardable position of the Lot.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months
24
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
2 optional 12-month extension opportunities,
two.2.14) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
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
Lots 1, 2 and 3:
• CQC Accreditation
• Data Security and Protection Toolkit Self-Assessment
• Enhanced DBS Checks
• Health or Care Professionals Council (HCPC) registered Paramedics (where applicable)
• Institute of Health and Care Development (IHCD) Ambulance Technicians (where applicable)
Lot 4:
• Cyber Essentials Plus
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
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.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number: 2024/S 000-012422
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
10 January 2025
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
Duration in months: 180 (from the date stated for receipt of tender)
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
10 January 2025
Local time
1:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: No
six.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this framework agreement is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
The value provided in 2.6 is only an estimate based upon market value. NHS SBS cannot guarantee to successful Suppliers any business through this Framework Agreement. Spend and volumes may vary throughout the life of the Framework Agreement from the anticipated levels given in this notice.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
Independent Patient Choice and Procurement Panel
London
Country
United Kingdom