The NHS has initiated a massive joint tender valued at up to £1.5 billion for suppliers to furnish computer hardware, including a range of devices such as desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, and wearables.
NHS Shared Business Services Limited (NHS SBS) and North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) have joined forces to introduce the tender for a framework deal named ‘Tech Devices – Link 4’, commencing on 27 August 2024.
Framework agreements are curated lists of suppliers with proven capability, experience, competence, and value through a competitive tendering process.
The contract is set to span four years, with interested bidders required to request participation by 2 October 2024.
Both NHS SBS and NOE CPC will serve as a unified entity on the behalf of customer organizations within the NHS and social care, potentially forming consortia.
This framework agreement is poised to replace the existing IT Hardware and Services framework, Link 3, deemed a recommended route to market for digital and IT expenditures across the NHS by NHS England.
The new framework is divided into four lots, with maximum capacities for supplier awards on each, encompassing various end-user device requirements such as desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, specialist healthcare IT hardware, and peripherals.
The bulk of the budget is allocated to Lot 1, with potential spending of up to £1.2 billion, while other lots cater to specific needs such as healthcare-related IT hardware, printing and scanning devices, and refurbished options.
Additionally, in August 2023, NHS SBS issued a notice reflecting its intent to engage in negotiations with suppliers for a digital workplace solutions framework agreement.
