Provision of 2 x Modular Units Only for MRI Scanners

Concepts

• mri scanners
• magnetic resonance imaging equipment
• milton keynes
• siemens healthcare ltd
• modular units
• scanners
• nhs supply chain framework

Location

Milton Keynes

Description

Provision of 2 x modular units only for MRI scanners. (The scanners have already been purchased separately from Siemens Healthcare Ltd pursuant to a NHS Supply Chain Framework).

Award Detail

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 33113000 - Magnetic resonance imaging equipment

Indicators

• Award on basis of price.

Legal Justification

In 2020 Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (The Trust) purchased two MRI scanners from Siemens Healthcare Ltd (Siemens) following a mini-competition procedure pursuant to a NHS Supply Chain framework agreement. During the mini–competition procedure, the Trust incorporated its requirement for modular units and pre-installation works, although the award of that contract was solely on the basis of the provision of the MRI scanners. This contract has been directly awarded to Siemens to cover the modular requirements. Given the technical requirements of the modular units that are specific to the Siemens MRI scanners, the contract can only be awarded to Siemens for the following reasons: 1) There are specific clinical and engineering standards that the modular buildings must adhere to in order to safely accommodate the MRI scanners. The Trust requires the modular units to screen out the magnetic force generated by the MRI scanners as well as protect the MRI scanners from external impacts; 2) Given the significant weight and electromagnetic force of the MRI scanners, it is crucial from a safety and clinical perspective that the modular units comply with these standards. Failure to do so impacts on the image quality generated by the MRI scanners and runs the risk of the MRI scanners being deemed unsafe for use; 3) Only Siemens (through its approved suppliers) has the ability to comply with these standards in a way that is compatible with their own MRI scanners.