Public procurement notice: Contract Award Notice
Published: 2019-05-15
Buyer: NHS Supply Chain Operated by Health Solutions Team Ltd acting as agent of Supply Chain Coordination Ltd (SCCL)
Country: UK
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Open procedure
CPV classification: 31711140 | 33100000 | 33124100 | 33124130 | 33140000: Medical consumables
Estimated value: 353400000 GBP
Award criteria: The most economic tender

Technical requirements: The Framework Agreement (FAG) is for the supply of neuromodulation devices and assoc. products to NHSSC customer base via the EDirect Route, including but not limited to:
Anticipated purchases in first 12 months: 62 500 000 GBP — 72 500 000 GBP approx. Total value is based on that 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 was carried out on a line by line basis. All suppliers who met the minimum requirements as set out in the invitation to tender and who reached a score of 40 % or over were appointed to the lot.
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 was carried out on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who met the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reached a score of 40 % or over were appointed to the Lot.
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 was carried out on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who met the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reached a score of 40 % or over were appointed to the Lot.
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 was carried out on a Line by Line basis. All Suppliers who met the minimum requirements as set out in the Invitation to Tender and who reached a score of 40 % or over were appointed to the Lot.
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.


Winner: Boston Scientific Ltd
Award value: 353400000
Number of bids: 3