HCC - 03/24 - The Provision of Toxicology Services

Concepts

• hertford
• medical laboratories
• toxicology service
• toxicology services
• money service
• toxicology analysis
• the county council coroner service
• toxicology
• sudden unexpected deaths
• public funds

Location

HERTFORD

Description

Hertfordshire County Council (the Council) has the requirement for the provision of a highly professional Toxicology Service. The service provider will be required to analyse tissue and body fluids for the detection of substances and assist the Coroner in the execution of his duty to investigate sudden unexpected deaths within the county, in accordance with the Coroners and Justice Act 2009.

Total Quantity or Scope

Hertfordshire County Council (the Council) has the requirement for the provision of a highly professional Toxicology Service. The service provider will be required to analyse tissue and body fluids for the detection of substances and assist the Coroner in the execution of his duty to investigate sudden unexpected deaths within the county, in accordance with the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. Statistics show that 36% of deaths within the county of Hertfordshire are reported to the coroner. Of these, 46% are subject to a post-mortem examination and 24% have toxicology analysis carried out. The solution required is not easily available and is currently provided by specialist businesses who utilise trained scientists to perform these tests. The County Council Coroner Service has an obligation to provide a professional, comprehensive, value for money service to the community of Hertfordshire and be accountable for the use of Public Funds. The Council is intending to award this Contract to our existing provider following Direct Award Process C under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) The Contract will commence on the 1st April 2024 and will be for a four (4) year core period with the option to extend for up to a further two (2) years. The approximate life time value of this Contract is as stated in II.1.7 above

Award Detail

Renewal Options

Option to extend for up to two (2) further years beyond the core four (4) years

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories

Indicators

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

Legal Justification

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by 5th April 2024. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.

Other Information

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The publication of this notice marks the start of the standstill period. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by 5th April 2024 This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR. Written representation should be sent to: Strategic.procurement@hertfordshire.gov.uk Details of the individual(s) making the award decision: Richard Doggett Steven Charteris The existing provider is satisfying the existing contract and will likely satisfy the proposed new contact. The provider has been assessed against the relevant 5 key criteria and has passed the requirements. There were no conflicts of interests identified.