HH072-25-HB Specialist Environmental Aids for Deaf People

NHS HIGHLAND

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

Award

28 Apr 2026 at 09:06

Tender

09 Jan 2026 at 14:51

Planning

24 Oct 2025 at 15:08

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process involves NHS Highland seeking to enhance independence and wellbeing for individuals with hearing loss through the provision of specialist environmental aids and equipment. The procurement, titled "HH072-25-HB Specialist Environmental Aids for Deaf People," falls under the goods category, specifically hearing aids. It is targeted at the Highland region in the UK and is in the award stage, with the contract signed on the 14th of April 2026. NHS Highland, based in Inverness, conducted this procurement via an open procedure. The contract was awarded to Sarabec Ltd, a Middlesbrough-based SME, with the initial tender process starting on the 9th of January 2026. The procurement aligns with NHS Highland's efforts to support community benefits and to continue improving the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing in its health board area until March 2029.

This tender presents considerable opportunities for businesses involved in manufacturing and maintaining assistive devices. Companies that specialise in hearing aids, medical aids, and devices for the disabled would be well-positioned to compete, particularly those with expertise in sustainable practices such as recycling and disposal compliance in line with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations. Additionally, businesses providing training and advisory services could benefit from engaging with NHS Highland's initiatives, as there is a need for expert guidance on the use of specialist aids and equipment. As NHS Highland emphasizes community benefits, businesses that focus on social enterprise or supply chain development may also tap into collaborative projects, thereby fostering business growth while contributing positively to the Highland community. The procurement process encourages innovation and expression of interest from diverse sectors to support the reduction of health inequalities and enhance overall outcomes for individuals with hearing loss.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

HH072-25-HB Specialist Environmental Aids for Deaf People

Notice Description

NHS Highland requires the provision of Environmental Aids and Equipment to enhance independence, safety, and overall wellbeing for individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region. Maintenance and Repair Support Offer assistance with the servicing and repair of hearing-related equipment provided to individuals. Recycling and Disposal of Non-Functional Equipment Facilitate the responsible recycling and disposal of returned equipment that is no longer operational. Training and Advisory Services for Deaf Support Staff Deliver expert guidance and training to deaf support staff on the use, functionality, and appropriateness of specialist aids and equipment tailored to the needs of individuals with hearing loss.

Lot Information

Lot 1

NHS Highland is seeking to engage a suitably qualified organisation to deliver a comprehensive service for the provision of environmental aids and equipment designed to enhance the independence, safety, and overall wellbeing of individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region. The appointed contractor will be responsible for the following key service components: Supply of Aids and Equipment: Provision of specialist environmental aids and equipment to eligible individuals, on a loan basis, as determined by NHS Highland's established risk and eligibility criteria. Maintenance and Repair Services: Facilitation of repairs to issued equipment where feasible, ensuring that returned items are restored to a functional condition suitable for re-issue, thereby supporting the sustainability and efficiency of the service. Recycling and Disposal Compliance: Management of equipment recycling and disposal in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are upheld. Training and Advisory Support: Delivery of expert guidance and training to deaf support staff, covering the operation, functionality, and appropriateness of the aids and equipment provided, to ensure optimal use and benefit for individuals with hearing loss.

Renewal: An option to extend for a further 12 months

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d3a5
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038350-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Planning, Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Planning Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

32 - Radio, television, communication, telecommunication and related equipment

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

32552150 - Telephones for visually-impaired

32552160 - Telephones for hearing-impaired

33185000 - Hearing aids

33185100 - Parts and accessories for hearing aids

33196000 - Medical aids

33196100 - Devices for the elderly

33196200 - Devices for the disabled

85120000 - Medical practice and related services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£125,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£79,865 Under £100K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
28 Apr 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
9 Feb 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
12 Dec 2025Expired
Award Date
13 Apr 20262 months ago
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
If we are to retender this procurement it will be readvertised around 2029.

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS HIGHLAND
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
INVERNESS
Postcode
IV2 3BW
Post Town
Inverness
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM2 Highlands and Islands
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM20 Highlands and Islands
Delivery Location
TLM6 Highlands and Islands

Local Authority
Highland
Electoral Ward
Inverness South
Westminster Constituency
Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

SARABEC

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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.

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d3a5-2026-04-28T10:06:59+01:00",
    "date": "2026-04-28T10:06:59+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-05d3a5",
    "description": "(SC Ref:830393)",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "tender": {
        "id": "HH072-25-HB",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "32014L0024",
            "scheme": "CELEX"
        },
        "title": "HH072-25-HB Specialist Environmental Aids for Deaf People",
        "status": "complete",
        "classification": {
            "scheme": "CPV",
            "id": "33185000",
            "description": "Hearing aids"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "goods",
        "description": "NHS Highland requires the provision of Environmental Aids and Equipment to enhance independence, safety, and overall wellbeing for individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region. Maintenance and Repair Support Offer assistance with the servicing and repair of hearing-related equipment provided to individuals. Recycling and Disposal of Non-Functional Equipment Facilitate the responsible recycling and disposal of returned equipment that is no longer operational. Training and Advisory Services for Deaf Support Staff Deliver expert guidance and training to deaf support staff on the use, functionality, and appropriateness of specialist aids and equipment tailored to the needs of individuals with hearing loss.",
        "value": {
            "amount": 125000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "description": "NHS Highland is seeking to engage a suitably qualified organisation to deliver a comprehensive service for the provision of environmental aids and equipment designed to enhance the independence, safety, and overall wellbeing of individuals with hearing loss across the Highland region. The appointed contractor will be responsible for the following key service components: Supply of Aids and Equipment: Provision of specialist environmental aids and equipment to eligible individuals, on a loan basis, as determined by NHS Highland's established risk and eligibility criteria. Maintenance and Repair Services: Facilitation of repairs to issued equipment where feasible, ensuring that returned items are restored to a functional condition suitable for re-issue, thereby supporting the sustainability and efficiency of the service. Recycling and Disposal Compliance: Management of equipment recycling and disposal in accordance with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, ensuring environmentally responsible practices are upheld. Training and Advisory Support: Delivery of expert guidance and training to deaf support staff, covering the operation, functionality, and appropriateness of the aids and equipment provided, to ensure optimal use and benefit for individuals with hearing loss.",
                "status": "cancelled",
                "awardCriteria": {
                    "criteria": [
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Cost",
                            "type": "cost",
                            "description": "30"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Quality",
                            "type": "quality",
                            "description": "70"
                        },
                        {
                            "name": "Cost",
                            "type": "cost",
                            "description": "30"
                        }
                    ]
                },
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2026-04-01T00:00:00+01:00",
                    "endDate": "2029-03-31T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "renewal": {
                    "description": "An option to extend for a further 12 months"
                },
                "submissionTerms": {
                    "variantPolicy": "notAllowed"
                },
                "hasOptions": false
            }
        ],
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33196200",
                        "description": "Devices for the disabled"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33196100",
                        "description": "Devices for the elderly"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33196000",
                        "description": "Medical aids"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33185000",
                        "description": "Hearing aids"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "33185100",
                        "description": "Parts and accessories for hearing aids"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "85120000",
                        "description": "Medical practice and related services"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "32552150",
                        "description": "Telephones for visually-impaired"
                    },
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "32552160",
                        "description": "Telephones for hearing-impaired"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UKM6"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM6"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UKM6"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryLocation": {
                    "description": "NHS Highland"
                },
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2025-12-12T00:00:00Z"
        },
        "coveredBy": [
            "GPA"
        ],
        "submissionMethod": [
            "electronicSubmission"
        ],
        "submissionMethodDetails": "https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk",
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "economic",
                "documentType": "economicSelectionCriteria"
            },
            {
                "id": "technical",
                "documentType": "technicalSelectionCriteria"
            }
        ],
        "procurementMethod": "open",
        "procurementMethodDetails": "Open procedure",
        "techniques": {
            "hasFrameworkAgreement": true,
            "frameworkAgreement": {
                "maximumParticipants": 1
            }
        },
        "tenderPeriod": {
            "endDate": "2026-02-09T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "submissionTerms": {
            "languages": [
                "en"
            ],
            "bidValidityPeriod": {
                "endDate": "2026-04-09T23:59:59+01:00"
            }
        },
        "awardPeriod": {
            "startDate": "2026-02-09T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "bidOpening": {
            "date": "2026-02-09T12:00:00Z"
        },
        "hasRecurrence": true,
        "contractTerms": {
            "hasElectronicOrdering": true,
            "electronicInvoicingPolicy": "allowed",
            "hasElectronicPayment": true
        },
        "recurrence": {
            "description": "If we are to retender this procurement it will be readvertised around 2029."
        }
    },
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-6642",
            "name": "NHS Highland",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "NHS Highland"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "Assynt House, Beechwood Park",
                "locality": "Inverness",
                "region": "UKM6",
                "postalCode": "IV2 3BW",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1463704000",
                "email": "nhsh.tenders@nhs.scot",
                "url": "https://www.publictendersscotland.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "http://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk",
                "buyerProfile": "https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA00302",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "MINISTRY",
                        "scheme": "TED_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Ministry or any other national or federal authority, including their regional or local subdivisions"
                    },
                    {
                        "id": "07",
                        "scheme": "COFOG",
                        "description": "Health"
                    }
                ]
            }
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-171039",
            "name": "The Inverness Justice Center",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "The Inverness Justice Center"
            },
            "address": {
                "locality": "Inverness",
                "postalCode": "IV1 1AH",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "roles": [
                "reviewBody"
            ]
        },
        {
            "id": "GB-FTS-117399",
            "name": "Sarabec Ltd",
            "identifier": {
                "legalName": "Sarabec Ltd"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "15 High Force Road",
                "locality": "MIDDLESBROUGH",
                "region": "UKC1",
                "postalCode": "TS2 1RH",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "telephone": "+44 1642247789"
            },
            "roles": [
                "supplier"
            ],
            "details": {
                "scale": "sme"
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-FTS-6642",
        "name": "NHS Highland"
    },
    "links": [
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000813938"
        },
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000813938"
        },
        {
            "rel": "canonical",
            "href": "https://api.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/v1/Notice?id=ocds-r6ebe6-0000819000"
        }
    ],
    "language": "en",
    "awards": [
        {
            "id": "038350-2026-HH072-25-HB-1",
            "relatedLots": [
                "1"
            ],
            "status": "active",
            "suppliers": [
                {
                    "id": "GB-FTS-117399",
                    "name": "Sarabec Ltd"
                }
            ]
        }
    ],
    "contracts": [
        {
            "id": "038350-2026-HH072-25-HB-1",
            "awardID": "038350-2026-HH072-25-HB-1",
            "status": "active",
            "value": {
                "amount": 79865.76,
                "currency": "GBP"
            },
            "dateSigned": "2026-04-14T00:00:00+01:00"
        }
    ],
    "bids": {
        "statistics": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "measure": "bids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            },
            {
                "id": "2",
                "measure": "smeBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            },
            {
                "id": "3",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "4",
                "measure": "foreignBidsFromNonEU",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 0
            },
            {
                "id": "5",
                "measure": "electronicBids",
                "relatedLot": "1",
                "value": 1
            }
        ]
    }
}