Prior information: UK-Bristol: automation system

UK-Bristol: automation system

2010/S 145-223712

PRIOR INFORMATION NOTICE

Supplies

SECTION I: CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

• I.1)
  NAME, ADDRESSES AND CONTACT POINT(S)

  Attn: NHS Blood & Transplant
  North Bristol Park, Filton
  Lorna Joy
  BS34 7QHBristol
  UNITED KINGDOM

  Internet address(es)

  General address of the contracting authority www.blood.co.uk

  Address of the buyer profile https://nhsbt.bravosolution.co.uk

  Further information can be obtained at:Attn: E-mail: Lorna Joy
  lorna.joy@nhsbt.nhs.uk

• I.2)
  TYPE OF THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY AND MAIN ACTIVITY OR ACTIVITIES

  Body governed by public law

  Health

  The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities No

SECTION II.B: OBJECT OF THE CONTRACT (SUPPLIES OR SERVICES)

• II.1)
  TITLE ATTRIBUTED TO THE CONTRACT BY THE CONTRACTING AUTHORITY

  Automation of blood donation test sample management.

• II.2)
  TYPE OF CONTRACT AND PLACE OF DELIVERY OR OF PERFORMANCE

  Supplies

  Uk and North Wales although inital work is likely to start in Bristol.

  NUTS code UK

• II.3)
  SHORT DESCRIPTION OF NATURE AND QUANTITY OR VALUE OF SUPPLIES OR SERVICES

  NHS Blood and Transplant - automation of blood donation test sample management.

  All blood donations are subject to a series of tests to determine blood group and to screen for the presence of infective microorganisms. NHSBT has recently consolidated testing of blood donations onto 5 sites, and it has become apparent that productivity may be improved by automation of sample management. NHSBT would like to evaluate a pilot system for rapid, automated sample sorting / picking by test profile and preparation (centrifugation, decapping and racking), with a view to full implementation and rollout to all sites in NHSBT. Pilot site will be Filton Blood Centre, currently testing 3M samples associated with 1M donations annually. A further 3M samples are tested at other sites per annum.

  Each donation is accompanied by a uniquely barcoded sample set (3 tubes) with different cap colours. Sorting is required pre screening to reconcile, label and prioritise samples, followed by centrifugation, decapping and racking by test profile, post screening for additional discretionary testing by test profile, and for archiving and retrieval. Data will be extracted from host IT system to feed automated sample management system software. It is expected that the pilot will demonstrate improvement in error rate, efficiency, human resource utilisation and throughput.

• II.4)
  COMMON PROCUREMENT VOCABULARY (CPV)

  48921000 - LA21

II.5)
SCHEDULED DATE FOR START OF AWARD PROCEDURES

II.6)
CONTRACT COVERED BY THE GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENT AGREEMENT (GPA)

• II.7)
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  The Contracting Authority intends to use an eTendering system in this procurement exercise and reserves the right to use a reverse auction.

SECTION III: LEGAL, ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION

III.1)
CONDITIONS RELATING TO THE CONTRACT

III.1.1)
Main financing conditions and payment arrangements and/or reference to the relevant provisions regulating them

III.2)
CONDITIONS FOR PARTICIPATION

III.2.1)
Reserved contracts

SECTION VI: COMPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

VI.1)
CONTRACT RELATED TO A PROJECT AND/OR PROGRAMME FINANCED BY COMMUNITY FUNDS

• VI.2)
  ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  NHBT may hold a supplier forum to discuss the progression of this project.

  If you are interested in participating please send an email to Loran Joy indicating you name, position and a brief description of your core business activities.

  The Contracting Authority intends to use an eTendering system in this procurement exercise and reserves the right to use a reverse auction.

VI.3)
INFORMATION ON GENERAL REGULATORY FRAMEWORK

• VI.4)
  DATE OF DISPATCH OF THIS NOTICE:

  26.7.2010