Public procurement notice: Contract Notice
Published: 2018-09-27
Buyer: Health Solutions Team NHS Supply Chain acting on behalf of Supply Chain Coordination Ltd
Country: UK
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Open procedure
CPV classification: 31711140 | 33100000 | 33124100 | 33124130 | 33140000: Medical consumables
Estimated value: 353400000 GBP
Submission deadline: 2018-10-25
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: NHSSC seeks to establish a non-exclusive Framework Agreement (FAG) for supply to NHSSC customer base via the EDirect Route. The FAG is for the supply of neuromodulation devices and assoc. products incl. but not limited to:
Anticipated purchases in first 12 months: 62 500 000 GBP — 72 500 000 GBP approx.Total value is based on initial expenditure and forecast for growth.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a brain surgery (in which nerves are stimulated with electrodes) performed to improve a patient's quality of life. The procedure is not a cure, but it can significantly improve otherwise debilitating symptoms caused by certain neurological disorders. DBS is most commonly used to treat movement disorders including Parkinson's disease, Dystonia, and Essential Tremor. It may also be appropriate in selected cases of other conditions including Tourette's syndrome and Chronic Cluster Headache.
This Framework Agreement will have the option to extend incrementally for a further period of up to 24 months in addition to the 24 month period as set out in the Framework Agreement.
Evaluation will be made on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who meet the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reach a score of 40 % or over will be appointed to the Lot. Further information is set out in the Invitation to tender.
Spinal cord stimulation is reserved for patients who have severe chronic pain that is limiting their daily life and who have already tried all reasonable, more conservative therapies, such as painkillers and physiotherapy. Spinal cord stimulation requires a minor surgical procedure under x-ray control in which a lead (medical wire) is precisely sited within the epidural space of the spine – for percutaneous wire insertion. If a surgical paddle electrode is inserted then a small window is created in the bone and ligament of the spine to place the electrode. In both cases, the lead is then connected under the skin to a battery device which is surgically sited in the buttock or abdominal wall. The battery powers the electrical stimulation of the lead in the spine. Once the system is set-up, it is controlled by the patient using a handheld controller. Many factors, including site and type of pain, are considered in determining which type of system to use.
This Framework Agreement will have the option to extend incrementally for a further period of up to 24 months in addition to the 24 month period as set out in the Framework Agreement.
Evaluation will be made on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who meet the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reach a score of 40 % or over will be appointed to the Lot. Further information is set out in the Invitation to tender.
Sacral nerve stimulation is an implanted system which can help improve bladder function by sending electrical signals to the nerves that control your bladder. It is a treatment that is used for the overactive bladder, urgency and incontinence, and in some cases retention of urine.
This Framework Agreement will have the option to extend incrementally for a further period of up to 24 months in addition to the 24 month period as set out in the Framework Agreement.
Evaluation will be made on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who meet the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reach a score of 40 % or over will be appointed to the Lot. Further information is set out in the Invitation to tender.
Vagus nerve stimulation or vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is a medical treatment that involves delivering electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. It is used as an adjunctive treatment for certain types of intractable epilepsy, treatment-resistant depression and for treatment-resistant primary headache disorders.
This Framework Agreement will have the option to extend incrementally for a further period of up to 24 months in addition to the 24 month period as set out in the Framework Agreement.
Evaluation will be made on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who meet the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reach a score of 40 % or over will be appointed to the Lot. Further information is set out in the Invitation to tender.
The target is a branch nerve of the spinal cord called the Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG). The DRG has been a target for physicians for pain relief for many years. The DRG can regulate pain signals before they enter the spinal cord and travel to the brain. DRG is accessed via a needle placed in the spinal epidural space using a curved introducer the leads are routed to lie above the DRG.

Eligibility requirements: Applicants should refer to each II.2 of this Contract Notice for further details in respect of appointment to the individual Lots across the Framework Agreement. Applicants may bid for one, more than one or all of the Lots and Applicants should refer to the Invitation to Tender for more information in respect of this. Applicants should refer to the Invitation to Tender for details of the scoring process to be used to assess the Suppliers to be appointed to the Framework Agreement. NHS Supply Chain will share savings information in order to assist its customers with making informed procurement decisions. NHS Supply Chain intends to enter into arrangements under which it will be entitled to purchase supplies and/or services which it will make available for purchase by 1) Any NHS Trust; 2) Any other NHS entity; 3) Any government department, agency or other statutory body (for the avoidance of doubt including local authorities) and/or 4) Any private sector entity active in the UK healthcare sector. Only NHS Supply Chain can order from the Framework Agreement and enter into contracts under it. Electronic ordering will be used and electronic invoicing will be accepted and electronic payment will be used. For the avoidance of doubt, and notwithstanding the estimate indicated at II.1.5, NHS Supply Chain does not guarantee any level of purchase through the framework and advises Applicants that the framework shall be established on a non-exclusive basis. Tenders and all supporting documentation for the contract must be priced in sterling and written in English. Any agreement entered into will be considered a contract made in England according to English law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts. NHS Supply Chain is not liable for any costs (including any third party costs fees or expenses incurred by those expressing an interest, participating or tendering for this contract opportunity. NHS Supply Chain reserves the right to terminate the procurement process (or part of it), to change the basis of and the procedures for the procurement process at any time, or to procure the subject matter of the contract by alternative means if it appears that it can be more advantageously procured by alternative means. The most economically advantageous or any tender will not automatically be accepted. All communications must be made through NHS Supply Chain's eTendering portal at http://procurement.supplychain.nhs.uk/ISS/ using the Message Centre facility linked to this particular contract notice. Please note that the maximum number of suppliers as set out in IV.1.3 is an estimate only.

Award value: 353400000