The Board requires to appoint a contractor to act as a prime contractor for the provision of fully managed laboratory services at the authority's laboratory in the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick that meets the Boards and departmental aim of a low cost, high quality innovative & progressive diagnostic service.

Gilbert Bain laboratory is severely constrained by its small floor area and an innovative solution is being sought that makes best use of technology and equipment that allows the service to be delivered from a limited footprint. Currently the Board owns all of its analytical equipment used within the laboratory. The majority of these items are becoming aged and are due for replacement.

The system and associated services will include enabling work, the provision, commissioning, on-going support and maintenance of equipment, associated IT connectivity, the supply of consumables and associated items, and necessary training of the Authority's staff. Others elements include, but are not limited to, logistic functions, temperature mapping and monitoring systems, sample collection systems/consumables, and possibly transport of laboratory samples between NHS Shetland and referral sites and GP surgeries to Gilbert Bain Hospital.

The requirements for this contract has been split into two lots – a) Blood Sciences (clinical chemistry, immunoassay, haematology, coagulation, point of care (POCT) and infectious disease serology) and b) Microbiology.

Although the initial managed service contract solution required is in respect of the above areas, it is anticipated that, in the future, the scope of the managed service contract may be extended during the course of the contract period to include, without limitation, laboratory services provided from other sites.

Tenderers will be expected to signify within the PQQ if they will be bidding as a primary contractor or as a third party.

Proposals for the optimal staff complement to operate the suggested solution, based on operational opening times for the laboratory, should be an included as part of the tender response.

Short-listing will take place throughout the competitive tender process with the first cut taking place after receipt of the pre-qualification questionnaires from potential providers. The Board also reserves the right to eliminate potential providers throughout the tender phase.

The contract length will be for 7 years with an option to extend for up to a further 2 years and is anticipated to have annual value of up to GBP 300 000.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at http://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=281470