Below is a guide for all construction companies and associated building specialists on how to tender for hospital and other public sector contracts in Cornwall.
We are very keen to hear from and work with local contractors in Cornwall and the southwest. We host and attend a number of events to encourage organisations to work with us including attending the annual Cornwall Construction Summit in October every year.
If you would like to get in touch directly, please Debra Tolley, our Senior Contracts Manager using this email address: rcht.cornwallprocurement@nhs.net
| Where are opportunities to work with RCHT advertised? | You can find tender opportunities to work with us here: RCHT eTendering Portal – https://uk.eu-supply.com/login.asp?B=NHSSW Find a Tender Service – https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Search You will need to join a procurement framework. |
| What is a procurement framework? | A procurement framework is an agreement that enables NHS (or public sector) organisations to buy goods, services, or works from one or more supplier, as their needs arise. An organisation wishing to join a framework will first be vetted according to certain criteria and will need to be successful in this bidding process. |
| How do I join a framework? | Framework providers will advertise opportunities on the “Find a Tender Service” when they come up. A framework currently lasts for 4 years and once up and running, a supplier cannot join until it is renewed. |
| Who are the main framework providers used by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust? | – Crown Commercial Services (CCS) – NHS Shared Business Services (SBS) – Procure Partnerships – South West Procurement Alliance – Eastern Shires Purchasing Organisation (ESPO) |
| What is a DPS? | Dynamic Purchasing System – this is similar to a framework, but it allows suppliers to be added to the framework throughout its life. |
| How do I join a DPS? | An application to join can be provided on request. You will need to complete a selection process to be accepted. This takes approximately 10 days for review and acceptance onto the DPS. This will then allow you to bid for work. |
| Who are the main DPS providers used by the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust? | NHS London Procurement Partnership Minor Works and Maintenance DPS (LPP) |
| Where can I find guidance on doing business with the public sector? | Doing business with government: guide for SMEs – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) |
| Who and what is the Procurement Department at RCHT / NHS Cornwall? | The Cornwall NHS Procurement Service is the department which provides the procurement services for all goods, services, and works in Cornwall and can offer advice and guidance to suppliers looking for opportunities to work with the NHS. |
| What are the financial thresholds for Royal Cornwall Hospital, and why do they matter? | When certain financial thresholds are met for goods, services and works, RCHT will need to go out to market and request quotes or tenders. This allows us to ensure we are receiving value for money for the taxpayer. The thresholds are: – Under £50k inc VAT – 3 quotes required – Over £50k inc VAT – 3 formal tenders required: …Goods & Services over £139,688 inc VAT – full tender under UK Procurement Regulations …Works over £5,372,609 inc VAT – full tender under UK Procurement Regulations |
| I’m a small business and can’t do all the work you are requesting but I can do some of it. Will I be excluded, or should I still bid? | RCHT will break the goods, services, or works down into lots where possible before we go out to market for which you can either bid for one lot, several or all. This will be made clear in the documents sent out. A supplier may win one, several or all; or several suppliers may win. |
| Can I subcontract or work with other suppliers to submit one bid? | Consortium bids will be accepted, and subcontractors can be appointed, but they will need to be managed by one Principal Contractor. |
| What insurance cover do I need? | Insurance cover will vary depending on contract but typically ranges between £1m and £5million. |
| Who do I contact in the Procurement Department at the Royal Cornwall Hospital for advice and more information? | Please email Debra Tolley, our Senior Contracts Manager using this email address: rcht.cornwallprocurement@nhs.net |