Magnetic resonance imaging equipment

Tender description

To ensure scientific and technical program for several long-term research programs, it is vital that we retain MRI scanner with several imaging tools that are only provided by Siemens Healthcare. To retain a scanner that has a cutting edge for clinical research, software / hardware needs to be improved to meet current requirements. Replacing the entire system would also result in 12+ weeks of scanner downtime, a substantial disruption to our clinical and scientific programs. Therefore, upgrading the current scanner is not only massively cost effective, it will prevent significant downtime for the centre, and ensure continuity of our research program. Therefore from a technical perspective, the only supplier able to facilitate our requirements for an upgrade whilst maintaining our current technical ability is Siemens Healthcare. Under Regulation Reg 33(1)(b)(ii) of the Public Contracts (Scotland) Regulations 2015, a Contracting Authority may use the negotiated procedure without the prior publication in the case of a public contract, based on the following justification: Competition is absent for technical reasons (only if it is not caused by artificial narrowing down of the parameters of the procurement and no reasonable alternative or substitute exists).