Legal services

Tender description

The Department of Health has conducted a procurement under the Light Touch Regime to establish a panel of law firms pursuant to a multi-supplier pseudo framework agreement to act for, and provide advice to, the Department of Health in connection with Civil Litigation Arbitration and Mediation against companies in the pharmaceutical industry. The procurement related to legal services within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Given that the procurement process relates to ‘social and other specific services’ only, it was subject to limited regulation and accordingly has been conducted in accordance with Regulations 74 to 76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Any references to fully regulated processes or requirements are for ease of reference only and should not be taken as recognition or acceptance that the same apply to the procurement. The Department of Health has conducted a procurement under the Light Touch Regime to establish a panel of law firms pursuant to a multi-supplier pseudo framework agreement to act for, and provide advice to, the Department of Health in connection with Civil Litigation Arbitration and Mediation against companies in the pharmaceutical industry. The requirement is for the provision of exploratory legal and professional advice, market structure analysis (incorporating financial analysis) and representation within civil proceedings. The scope of civil proceedings may include but shall not be limited to investigation into deceit, anti-competitive agreements, patent infringement and the abuse of dominant market positions by companies. Invitation to Tender documentation was made openly available via the Department of Health's online tendering portal BMS. The procurement related to legal services within the meaning of Schedule 3 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Given that the procurement process relates to ‘social and other specific services’ only, it was subject to limited regulation and accordingly has been conducted in accordance with Regulations 74 to 76 of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Any references to fully regulated processes or requirements are for ease of reference only and should not be taken as recognition or acceptance that the same apply to the procurement.