The North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative has a free-to-access Hard FM Framework known as Estates, Maintenance and Engineering Services (Hard FM) (NOE.0289)
NHS North of England Commercial Procurement Collaborative (NOE CPC) is wholly owned by the NHS and provides collaborative and bespoke procurement solutions for the NHS and other public sector organisations. Through category expertise and harnessing its collective buying power, NOE CPC aims to deliver comprehensive, compliant and innovative procurement solutions which save the NHS money.
Specialist services
The framework enables contracting authorities to procure specialist services such as asbestos removal, air conditioning, electrical works, fire risk assessments and water system maintenance and has been designed to help NHS trusts and public sector organisations successfully manage their estate requirements.
The framework enables users to address maintenance backlogs and set up Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) programmes to reduce the breakdown of equipment and increase operational efficiencies.
Developed for the NHS
It has been specifically developed for the NHS and the healthcare sector’s FM requirements, utilising input and expertise from NHS stakeholders, so the needs of the NHS have been taken into account.
The framework offers an efficient, FTS-compliant process. A detailed procurement exercise has been carried out, ensuring that suppliers meet all legislative requirements; suppliers are prequalified, which saves valuable time and money in the procurement process.
NOE CPC’s procurement team meets regularly with suppliers to ensure that the products and services they provide are compliant with its policies and guidelines. These meetings also enable the sharing of knowledge, expertise and market innovation and offer the opportunity to look for further ways to improve collaboration for the benefit of the customers.
Benefits
The framework offers several other benefits including a fully managed service, which offers the option to award one supplier to perform all services offered within the scope of the Framework Agreement or two or more services.
Direct Award is a key component of the framework, meaning Participating Authorities have the ability to choose in certain circumstances to award to a specific supplier from within the agreement, without going through a long procurement process, provided this is in accordance with the procurement regulations.
The framework has a Measured Terms Contract (MTC) option available for reactive and planned maintenance of buildings, and electrical and mechanical works.
Pricing
Pricing is capped during the framework, to support budgeting and calculation of benefits realised by Participating Authorities. Mini-competitions can be undertaken to meet the bespoke requirement of each customer and are encouraged to support the delivery of best value to participating authorities.
The framework offers a mix of suppliers including large national providers, as well as a number of regional SMEs currently utilised by the NHS to be more reactive to local needs.
The agreement offers NHS organisations the option of using locally based suppliers with demonstratable experience of working in the healthcare environment and membership of professional bodies.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals used the framework to appoint a provider under Lot 12 for fire risk assessments. Wendy Stanley, estates administrator at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “I would definitely recommend NOE CPC to other trusts. They have always provided a reliable service and the teams are very knowledgeable about their categories.
They are always available to support us with any issues we encounter and guidance on procurement matters and we have benefitted hugely from working with NOE CPC.”
