This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

28 Jul 2025 at 12:23

Award

21 Feb 2025 at 16:58

Planning

05 Dec 2024 at 16:09

Summary of the contracting process

Supply Chain Coordination Limited, acting on behalf of NHS Supply Chain, has completed a public procurement process to enter into a Framework Agreement for the provision of a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System. This procurement aligns within the healthcare sector under the medical equipment industry category and is intended for use across the UK. The contract, awarded to Echosens UK Limited, an SME based in Altrincham, is valued at approximately £35,000,000 for the total duration, including potential extensions, with a completion date of November 2026. The procurement utilised a limited award procedure without prior publication of a competition call, and electronic channels will be employed for ordering, invoicing, and payment processes.

This contract offers substantial opportunities for businesses within the medical technology and healthcare sectors, particularly those focused on non-invasive diagnostic solutions. The engagement can facilitate business growth through participation in large-scale NHS initiatives, increasing product visibility and market share in the UK healthcare system. Suppliers of innovative medical devices, especially those capable of advancing diagnostic capabilities within general practice settings, could find this contract particularly beneficial. Participation in such framework agreements could pave the way for long-term collaborations with key public health organisations, enhancing their ability to meet the evolving needs of the UK healthcare service.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System

Notice Description

NHS Supply Chain intends to launch a National Framework Agreement for the provision of Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis that includes the following: * The ability to measure liver stiffness to quantify fibrosis and cirrhosis. * The ability to measure fatty liver to quantify steatosis non-invasively. * The functionality of Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) technology. * The ability to allow any clinical practitioners to use the system rather than a trained sonographer only. For the avoidance of doubt consumables will only be in scope of the proposed Framework if purchased alongside the types of equipment, as stated in any subsequent specification. Precise quantities are unknown. It is anticipated that initial expenditure will be in the region of PS17,500,000 in the first year of this Framework Agreement, however this is approximate only and the values may vary depending on the requirements of those bodies purchasing under the Framework Agreement. The estimated value over the total Framework Agreement term (including any extension options) is anticipated to be in the region of PS35,000,000. NHS Supply Chain engaged with suppliers that can provide a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis. The PIN 2024/S 000-039307 intended to identify such providers with a view to ultimately align this solution within the scope of Endoscopy and Ultrasound Framework which is due for renewal in November 2026. Suppliers capable of delivering such a solution were invited to submit proposals to provide a route to market that enables access for the NHS during the interim period until the award of the new framework on 2nd November 2026.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Following the publication of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) NHS Supply Chain is entering into a Framework Agreement for the provision of a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis that includes the following: * The ability to measure liver stiffness to quantify fibrosis and cirrhosis. * The ability to measure fatty liver to quantify steatosis non-invasively. * The functionality of Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) technology. * The ability to allow any clinical practitioners to use the system rather than a trained sonographer only. NHS Supply Chain intends to enter into a Framework Agreement with 1 available supplier. The term of this Framework Agreement is anticipated to be up to the end date of 10 November 2026, will the option to extend for up to 12 months. The Framework Agreement will be between NHS Supply Chain and the Supplier, however 1) NHSSC, 2) any NHS Trust; 3) any other NHS entity; 4) any government department, agency or other statutory body and/or 5) any private sector entity active in the UK healthcare sector will be able to enter into a direct contract with the Supplier for any of the supplies and/or services under the Framework. 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.1.7, NHSSC does not guarantee any level of purchase through the framework. Any agreement entered will be considered a contract made in England according to English law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.

Options: Option to extend up to a total of 12 months

Procurement Information

There was only 1 supplier in the market that met all the requirements following the publication of a PIN.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04c2b8
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/043420-2025
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products


CPV Codes

33100000 - Medical equipments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£35,000,000 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£35,000,000 £10M-£100M

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Jul 20251 years ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Nov 20263 months to go
Award Date
21 Feb 20251 years ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Supply Chain Coordination Limited
Additional Buyers

NHS Supply Chain

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8UG
Postcode Area
South East London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Echosens UK Limited

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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