Laboratory Information Management System [LIMS]

Concepts

• information technology
• laboratory information management system
• edinburgh
• scotland
• laboratory information management systems
• national laboratories programme
• nhs scotland’s strategic aim for clinical laboratory services
• clinical laboratory services
• requirements of all core laboratory disciplines
• timely sharing of laboratory data

Location

Scotland

Description

NHS National Services Scotland is establishing a single supplier framework on behalf of all NHS Health Boards in Scotland for the replacement of their Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS). The implementation of a common, modern LIMS is required to help realise the aims of NHS Scotland’s digital strategies and also to be a key enabler for the National Laboratories Programme to deliver NHS Scotland’s strategic aim for clinical laboratory services in the form of a Distributed Service Model (DSM). The intention is that the new LIMS will meet the requirements of all core laboratory disciplines (Blood Sciences including Blood Transfusion, Cellular Pathology, and Microbiology) including Genetics. This procurement facilitates the Programme in delivering standardisation of processes, workflow and coding, to enable multidisciplinary multi Board team working, to facilitate accurate, quicker, easier and timely sharing of laboratory data across Scotland, and to ensure that no matter where health care is delivered in Scotland, patients will have equitable access to efficient, effective, sustainable and affordable laboratory services. The services will include the software, development, implementation, training, support and maintenance of the software. It may also include the hosting of the system and software.

Total Quantity or Scope

The framework agreement by NSS will provide LIMS services to the specification of a consortium of 11 NHS Health Boards and will provide a window of 5 years for all NHS Health Boards to replace their current LIMS services. It is the intention of each NHS Health Board to enter into a ten-year call off contracts (plus 2 * 36 month extension options) pursuant to which LIMS and related services will be delivered. The contract will deliver services to entities constituted pursuant to the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 as amended, Integration Joint Boards established pursuant to the Public Bodies (Joint Working)(Scotland) Act 2014 and any local authorities established pursuant to the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

A genetics system may be provided under this framework agreement. Hosting of the services may be provided under individual call off contracts.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support
• 72500000 - Computer-related services
• 72200000 - Software programming and consultancy services
• 72212180 - Medical software development services
• 72250000 - System and support services
• 72260000 - Software-related services
• 72261000 - Software support services
• 72262000 - Software development services
• 72263000 - Software implementation services
• 48180000 - Medical software package
• 48814000 - Medical information systems
• 48814400 - Clinical information system

Indicators

• Options are available.
• Award on basis of price and quality.

Other Information

The estimated values referred to in Section II.1.5 and 11.2.6 covers the ten year contract duration and the two 36 month extension periods of potential contracts, if all NHS Health Boards call contracts off the framework agreement. --- The Contracting Authority does not intend to include a sub-contract clause as part of community benefits (as per Section 25 of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014) in this contract for the following reason: Not applicable Community benefits are included in this requirement. For more information see: http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/info/InfoCentre.aspx?ID=2361 A summary of the expected community benefits has been provided as follows: The Public Sector in Scotland is committed to the delivery of high quality public services, and recognises that this is critically dependent on a workforce that is well-rewarded, well-motivated, well-led, has access to appropriate opportunities for training and skills development,diverse and engaged in decision making. These factors are also important for workforce recruitment and retention, and thus continuity of service. Public Bodies in Scotland are adopting fair work practices, which include: A fair and equal pay policy that includes a commitment to supporting the Living Wage, including, for example being a Living Wage Accredited Employer; clear managerial responsibility to nurture talent and help individuals fulfil their potential, including for example, a strong commitment to Modern Apprenticeships and the development of Scotland's young workforce; Promoting equality of opportunity and developing a workforce which reflects the population of Scotland in terms of characteristics such as age, gender, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation and disability; Support for learning and development; Stability of employment and hours of work, and avoiding exploitative employment practices, including for example no inappropriate use of zero-hours contracts; Flexible working (including for example practices such as flexi-time and career breaks) and support for family friendly working and wider work life balance; Support progressive workforce engagement, for example Trade Union recognition and representation where possible, otherwise alternative arrangements to give staff an effective voice. In order to ensure the highest standards of service quality in this contract we expect contractors to take a similarly positive approach to fair work practices as part of a fair and equitable employment and reward package. Please describe how you will commit to fair work practices for workers (including any agency or sub-contractor workers) engaged in the delivery of this contract. (SC Ref:692259)