Scope
Reference
P1031
Description
Digital Health and Care Wales ("DHCW") have a requirement for a Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources ("FHIR") Terminology Software License. The Terminology Service is a key component of the National Data Resource ("NDR") infrastructure; the requirement will maintain and distribute nationally agreed data and information standards across Wales Health and Care.
In accordance with PA2023 Section 47 (7)(b); there would be a detrimental consequences to business continuity for DHCW if a different Supplier was utilised which would pose great technical difficulties and furthermore; would cost a considerable amount of time and money. This would be due to requiring a redesign of infrastructure and DHCW would need to start the assurance process from the very beginning. This in turn would also impact SNOMED Services which would not be able to support and would cause delays of implementing National clinical applications, which would affect patient care.
Contract 1. Wales Terminology Service
Supplier
Contract value
- £267,250 excluding VAT
- £320,700 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
9 January 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 29 February 2028
- Possible extension to 28 February 2029
- 3 years
Description of possible extension:
Option to extend for additional twelve (12) months.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
Contract locations
- UKL - Wales
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Switching to direct award
The provider Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research ("CSIRO") delivers a solution which has embedded the delivery of the terminology service for DHCW. As an Organisation, it is Australia's National science agency and innovation catalyst which supports in solving challenges through innovative science and technology.
CSIRO improves data consistency and quality whilst maintaining and distributing data and information across Wales. CSIRO is the only provider who is able to deliver associated support and the required licence can only be sought by CSIRO. The organisation has been a supplier to DHCW since 2020 and no other provider is able to offer the knowledge and expertise.
Furthermore, with the current complexities of exit and the additional costs of change that would incur a replacement, value for money would be greatly compromised but also if another platform was utilised; this would require resource time and effort and exiting off the solution would prove very disruptive to service delivery and would not offer value for money to the organisation or NHS Wales. To continue to employ the existing platform, this is maximising value of the investment made to date.
Supplier
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMRV-8741-GNXJ
Australian Research Centre Level 5
Herston
4029
Australia
Email: Sandy.Farnworth@csiro.au
Website: https://www.csiro.au/
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Wales Terminology Service
Contracting authority
Digital Health & Care Wales
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHXM-8593-WBPZ
Ty Glan-yr-Afon
Cardiff
CF11 9AD
United Kingdom
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales