Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System

Description

NHS Supply Chain wishes to engage with suppliers that can provide a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis This PIN intends to identify such providers with a view to ultimately align this solution within the scope of Endoscopy and Ultrasound Framework which is due for renewal in November 2026. Suppliers capable of delivering such a solution will be invited to tender to provide a route to market that enables access for the NHS during the interim period until the award of the new framework on 2nd November 2026. Lot 1: This market exercise will be for the provision of a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis that includes the following. - The ability to measure liver stiffness to quantify fibrosis and cirrhosis. - The ability to measure fatty liver to quantify steatosis non-invasively. - The functionality of Vibration-Controlled Transient Elastography (VCTE) technology. - The ability to allow any clinical practitioners to use the system rather than a trained sonographer only. NHS Supply Chain have a mandate from DHSC to drive the availability of innovative products to the NHS. NHS Supply Chain believe the product sourced by this contract (which is not covered by any of its current Framework Agreements) falls within this remit as a “disruptive” innovative product and has been identified to provide enhanced patient benefits. This product will be utilised within the community allow more people to be accurately diagnosed with liver fibrosis and cirrhosis due to an increase in people either attending a scan at their GP surgery or because the system will be available “on the road” which may reduce health inequalities for people from disadvantaged or high-risk communities. The aim to bring liver scanning into GP settings also decreases the amount of in hospital needed care. Suppliers are currently working with GPs and government bodies to have liver checks included within routine “MOT” checks. This means earlier diagnosis for patients and if diagnosed with earlier stages of liver disease, patients can make diet and lifestyle changes to reverse any damage caused. This will proactively stop further hospital appointments and ultimately any long-term hospitalisation. This will mean that patients with liver disease will have appropriate diagnosis in a timelier manner, allowing them to receive treatment for their condition at the earliest opportunity. There will also be a reduction in initial referrals and assessment appointments with hepatology allowing providers to use resources more efficiently. This in turn leads to better health outcomes and care experience for the patient. NHS Supply Chain intends to enter into a Framework Agreement (FAG) with an identified supplier of these products/services alongside the existing framework previously mentioned in ‘II.1.4) short description’ above) following a 10 calendar day publication of a voluntary transparency notice should there only be only 1 available supplier using procedure 'Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition' as the procurement falls outside the scope of application of the Public Contracts Regulations. The Term of this Framework Agreement is anticipated to be 22 months. As part of its strategy, NHSSC anticipates engaging with suppliers of these products/services with a view to ultimately align this solution within the scope of Endoscopy and Ultrasound framework, which is due for renewal in November 2026. Additional information: Precise quantities are unknown. It is anticipated that initial expenditure will be in the region of £35,000,000 based on market research, however this is an approximate only and the values may vary depending on the requirements of those bodies purchasing under the Framework Agreement