NHS on the hunt for a logistics provider
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) formally commences the procurement process for its logistics services
With a planned award date of late 2024, NHS Supply Chain enters the procurement process to find a logistics provider.
These services form part of the organization’s ongoing Target Operating Model (TOM) program. TOM aims to deliver improved efficiencies and greater value for the NHS.
The current contract is set to expire in 2024, meaning another single logistics provider is required. The new partner will manage both core logistics services, as well as Home Delivery Services (HDS).
Specifically, the contract includes future development of a warehouse network. The current network comprises nine strategically located facilities across England. Implementation of a new warehouse management system will be required, along with building capability for an inbound international service.
In a post-Covid world, the winning partner must also boast the potential ability to provide national pandemic response services. It will work towards enhancing the integrated logistics network to serve the future needs of the NHS.
A time of transformation
Andrew New, NHS Supply Chain’s CEO, commented: “This is an exciting time of transformation for NHS Supply Chain as we align with the strategic priorities of the wider NHS and scale our operation to support this.
“Our requirements for logistics services reflect this growth and our change in approach,” he continued. “We have learnt lots from the pandemic and are looking for innovation from bidders with the ability to invest and partner with us to support our long-term vision and strategy of how we can do things differently.
“This includes increasing our organizational flexibility, capabilities, and building more resilience into our supply chain, while limiting our environmental impact,” he added.
Published in June 2023, the Invitation to Tender (ITT) invites submissions from interested bidders. On completion of a supplier questionnaire, bidders will be shortlisted to submit initial tenders.
The successful provider will manage the network for an initial period of seven years with a possible extension of 36 months.