Laryngoscope Blades & Associated Consumables

Tender description

The current All Wales contract for laryngoscope blades is supplied via a framework agreement between eight suppliers supplying; • Laryngoscope handles (reusable / single use / fibre optic / LED) • Laryngoscope blades (reusable / single use / fibre optic / LED) • Laryngoscope combi (handle and blade set) Single use only The intention for the forthcoming contract is to award it on a multi-supplier framework basis with no commitment following a competitive tender exercise. Significant consideration has been paid to the structure of this contract and the pro’s & con’s of restricting award to mini-competition, ranked framework or sole award. Legal advice and commercial and contracting expertise has been sought, concluding neither of these options were viable. A non-commitment multi-supplier framework is recommended due to the; • Clinical risk of change: Clinicians’ confidence and familiarity with market–leading products used in planned and emergency procedures and the sensitivity of the products and their clinical use • Most compliant procurement exercise for this market • Likelihood of change • Stronghold of key market players • Available opportunities in the market place to migrate to more competitive products There is a degree of risk in establishing a multi-supplier framework, however this remains the most appropriate direction for capturing compliant spend on these devices. The legal position on reducing this risk is that the Contracting Authority should notify all potential bidders upfront about the processes and intentions of the tender and resulting contract, and to make this information available in the tender documents. The scope of the contract will cover single use, reusable devices and consumables, set out in the follow;