Description
The Trust is seeking to appoint a Service Provider to deliver a fully managed equipment service.
Early Market Engagement has been undertaken in October 2025 - November 2025 (https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/057781-2025)
The Trust intends to utilise the NHS Commercial Solutions Managed Equipment Services Framework, which is currently in the process of being established.
The proposed procurement timeline may be subject to change, including as a result of the Framework go-live date and any required external approval process.
The Trust reserves the right to amend the scope, contract term, including the proposed 10+5 year term, and/or route to market via a PA 23 Competitive Flexible Procedure.
Equipment:
The service will include the purchasing/financing, installation and maintenance of equipment and materials within scope of the contract.
The service will include the procurement and installation of diagnostic/radiotherapeutic equipment and clinical robots, together with the procurement of contrast media to meet clinical demand, including all ancillary equipment and software required to ensure systems are operational and fit for purpose.
The Service Provider will also be responsible for the purchase, supply, maintenance and replacement of specified consumables and medical devices required for operation of the equipment, including monitoring and maintaining stock levels, stock rotation, usage analysis/reporting and proactive prevention of wastage and expiry.
The Service Provider will be required to employ and train sufficient inventory control staff and manage any third-party involvement associated with delivery of the service.
Equipment within scope includes imaging, catheter labs, hybrid theatre, mammography, radiotherapy and pharmacy robots. Regular software upgrades will also be required.
Consumables:
The supplier will be responsible for the provision, procurement, maintenance and replacement of specified consumables required to meet clinical demand within the scope of the contract. This includes, but is not limited to, implantable cardiac valves and devices such as TAVI valves, TEER clips, pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as guide wires, stents, mapping and ablation catheters. The supplier must ensure appropriate stock levels are maintained at all times to support emergency and routine activity, taking account of market conditions, lead times and any supply chain risks.
The supplier will be required to liaise with the Trust in relation to the purchase, supply, maintenance and replacement of specified consumables required for operation of the equipment. This will include monitoring and maintaining stock levels, stock rotation, usage analysis and reporting, and proactive prevention of wastage and expiry. The supplier must employ and train sufficient inventory control staff and manage any third-party involvement required to deliver these obligations.
All consumables and devices must meet applicable legal, clinical and regulatory requirements, together with relevant best practice guidance, including product traceability legislation relating to implantable medical devices. The supplier will also be required to source tariff-excluded devices via NHS Supply Chain under the NHS England Specialised Services Devices Programme, formerly HCTED, where applicable. This requirement applies to any relevant devices produced by the supplier, associated companies and/or third parties.
The Trust requires transparent pricing, supported by competitive market analysis, stock management information and usage analysis, to provide assurance of value for money when procuring stock on behalf of the Trust. The supplier should explain how it will secure best value for the Trust and leverage its market position to maximise economies of scale.
General:
The Trust requires a vendor-independent solution based on clinical choice by the Trust within the parameters of any agreed contract. The supplier will be responsible for lifecycle management, ensuring the Trust has access to the latest medical technologies without the burden of capital investment. Estates enabling works for replacement equipment are excluded from the scope.
The Trust reserves the right to introduce new technology, equipment and consumables where it has been involved in their development, in collaboration with the supplier. The Trust considers that a Managed Equipment Service can provide a cost-effective route to accessing the latest technology, improving patient care and efficiency while supporting ongoing maintenance and financial cost improvement. However, the inclusion of both equipment and consumables within the scope is yet to be confirmed, and the Trust reserves the right to amend its intentions following pre-market engagement.