Public procurement notice: Voluntary Ex Ante Transparency Notice
Published: 2023-02-03
Buyer: Beaumont Hospital
Country: IE
Contract type: Supplies
Procedure: Contract award without prior publication
CPV classification: 33000000 | 33100000 | 33169000 | 50420000 | 50422000
Estimated value: 4500000 EUR

Technical requirements: Beaumont Hospital has decided to further its investment in robotic surgery technology. Having considered the technological solutions available from the market, and having considered such solutions against both the requirements of the Hospital’s clinicians and the needs of its patients, the Hospital has made a decision to purchase a HUGO RAS system, supplied by Medtronic (i.e., the Hospital has made an award decision in favour of Medtronic). In accordance with Article 32.2(b)(ii) of Directive 2014/24/EU, the negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice may be utilised when ‘competition is absent for technical reasons.’ In this instance, and as explained in the associated explanatory document (available to download from www.etenders.gov.ie), Beaumont Hospital is satisfied that only the HUGO RAS system can meet the Hospital’s technical requirements.
The subject-matter of this contract comprises the supply and commissioning of the required HUGO RAS system and its support and maintenance for a period of seven years from the date of commissioning, plus the supply of related equipment, accessories and consumables, as necessary.
In accordance with Article 32.2(b)(ii) of Directive 2014/24/EU, the negotiated procedure without prior publication of a contract notice may be utilised when ‘competition is absent for technical reasons.’ In this instance, and for the reasons set out below, Beaumont Hospital is satisfied that only the HUGO RAS system can meet the Hospital’s technical requirements.
1)	The HUGO RAS system features identical modular arms that can be individually placed, transported and moved around the patient to increase access to patient anatomy. This functionality also allows for the interchanging of the instruments and camera on any of the arms, which increases efficiency during an operating procedure, reduces consumable use and facilitates the addition of incisions to the patient. This functionality, which, in the professional opinion of the Hospital’s clinicians, will improve surgical outcomes for patients, is unique to the HUGO RAS system.
2)	The HUGO RAS system enables the operating surgeon to tilt the arms to work from a bottom-up approach, which is specifically relevant in the case of complex abdominal wall repairs. This functionality is unique to the HUGO RAS system.
3)	The arm flexibility of the HUGO RAS system enables the operating surgeon to access all four quadrants of the anatomy in a single dock, which serves to save time and increase efficiencies. Again, this functionality, which is unique to the HUGO RAS system, will have beneficial ramifications for the Hospital’s patients.
4)	Of particular relevance to Beaumont Hospital’s status as an academic teaching hospital is the fact that the HUGO RAS system features an open surgeon console, which allows for training and mentoring without the need for an additional console, thereby saving space within the operating theatre. The open surgeon console allows for direct communication and interaction with others in the operating theatre, while still enabling immersive three-dimensional visualisation. This functionality is unique to the HUGO RAS system.
5)	Concerning the optimisation of surgical outcomes, the HUGO RAS system features safety sensors – specifically, glasses that are tracked by sensors on the surgeon’s console, which ensure that when the surgeon looks away from the screen, the instruments ‘lock’ in place and do not inadvertently move. This unique functionality serves to minimise risk during a surgical procedure.
In light of the foregoing, Beaumont Hospital’s Procurement Department is satisfied that competition is absent for technical reasons. This notice is published in accordance with Regulation 11(3)(a) and Regulation 11(8) of S.I. 130 of 2010 (European Communities [Public Authorities’ Contracts] [Review Procedures] Regulations 2010) and informs the market of Beaumont Hospital’s decision to presently conclude a contract with Medtronic for the supply and support of a HUGO RAS system.
Please consult the explanatory document, available to download from www.etenders.gov.ie, for a full explanation of this proposed purchase.
In accordance with Regulation 11(3)(c) of S.I. 130 of 2010, Beaumont Hospital undertakes that this contract will not be concluded until a period of fourteen calendar days has elapsed, commencing on the day after the date of publication of this notice.


Winner: Medtronic
Award value: 4500000