Stem Cell Collection Equipment, Consumables and Maintenance

Location

Velindre Cancer Centre, Velindre Road, Cardiff

Description

Stem cell collection apparatus, consumables and associated maintenance to support the establishment of a new in-house NHS Stem Cell Collection Service

Total Quantity or Scope

Purchase of 2 Apheresis Stem Cell Spectra Optia machines, plus consumables and maintenance for the equipment life. Via the publication of a Prior Information Notice 02/12/20 (PIN WA Ref: 106238), the Authority sought expressions of interest from suitable candidates to provide the Apheresis Stem Cell Collection Service to the current specification. No such expressions were received.

Award Detail

Renewal Options

Options to purchase consumables and maintenance beyond the manufacturers original asset life of 10 years.

Award Criteria

CPV Codes

• 38434520 - Blood analysers

Indicators

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

Legal Justification

The Authority therefore intends to award a contract under the provisions of the Negotiated Procedure without Prior Notification (Regulation 32) to Terumo BCT for the purchase of 2 Apheresis Stem Cell Spectra Optia machines, along with the associated consumables and appropriate maintenance agreements, for the life of the equipment as recommended by the manufacturer. Changing the equipment collection system would most likely result in adjustments being required to the collection service operation model, as no two systems operate to the same specification. Subsequently this would impact upon the Service ability to collect sufficient cells within an acceptable timeframe, to meet the needs of the patient awaiting treatment e.g. more days may be required to collect the stem cells. The WBMDR collection centre provides contingency for Stem Cell Apheresis collection at the University Hospital of Wales (UHW) and vice versa. The ‘Spectra Optia’ Apheresis machines are already in situ at UHW. Purchasing different equipment would require UHW nurses to be trained in the use of the new equipment. WBMDR Nurses and those within the University Hospital of Wales (which provide continuity in case of service failure at either site), are all trained to use the Spectra Optias and have no experience of using alternative systems. Requirement to re-train on an alternative solution will result in a delay to provision of stem cells for patients. Particularly as the majority of staff at this time are diverted to supporting the NHS Wales response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Authority needs to publish this notice in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015, under Regulation 32 (Use of the negotiated procedure without prior publication), specifically: 32(1) In the specific cases and circumstances laid down in this regulation, contracting authorities may award public contracts by a negotiated procedure without prior publication. General grounds: 32(2)(b)(ii) The negotiated procedure without prior publication may be used for public works contracts, public supply contracts and public service contracts in any of the following cases:— 2(b) where the works, supplies or services can be supplied only by a particular economic operator for any of the following reasons:— (ii) competition is absent for technical reasons.

Other Information

PLEASE NOTE THIS CONTRACT WAS AWARDED FROM 01/03/2020 TO 28/02/2022 SO HAS SUBSEQUENTLY ENDED, AN AWARD NOTICE WAS NOT PUBLISHED IN ERROR. (WA Ref:159828)