Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System

NHS Supply Chain intends to launch a National Framework Agreement for the provision of 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. For the avoidance of doubt consumables will only be in scope of the proposed Framework if purchased alongside the types of equipment, as stated in any subsequent specification.

Precise quantities are unknown. It is anticipated that initial expenditure will be in the region of £17,500,000 in the first year of this Framework Agreement, however this is approximate only and the values may vary depending on the requirements of those bodies purchasing under the Framework Agreement.

The estimated value over the total Framework Agreement term (including any extension options) is anticipated to be in the region of £35,000,000. NHS Supply Chain engaged with suppliers that can provide a Standalone Non-Imaging Vibration-Controlled Ultrasound System to Quantify Liver and or Spleen Stiffness and Measure Liver Steatosis.

The PIN 2024/S 000-039307 intended 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 were invited to submit proposals 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.

Following the publication of a Prior Information Notice (PIN) NHS Supply Chain is entering into a Framework Agreement 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 intends to enter into a Framework Agreement with 1 available supplier.

The term of this Framework Agreement is anticipated to be up to the end date of 10 November 2026, will the option to extend for up to 12 months. The Framework Agreement will be between NHS Supply Chain and the Supplier, however 1) NHSSC, 2) any NHS Trust; 3) any other NHS entity; 4) any government department, agency or other statutory body and/or 5) any private sector entity active in the UK healthcare sector will be able to enter into a direct contract with the Supplier for any of the supplies and/or services under the Framework.

Electronic ordering will be used and electronic invoicing will be accepted and electronic payment will be used. For the avoidance of doubt and notwithstanding the estimate indicated at II.1.7, NHSSC does not guarantee any level of purchase through the framework. Any agreement entered will be considered a contract made in England according to English law and will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English Courts.