Spread and Scale - Dragon's Heat Institute

Procurement reference

CAV VEA (25-26) 10

Procurement description

Following a successful test Spread & Scale event in 2019 with our partners from the Life Sciences Hub Wales and the Bevan Commission the UHB are keen to capitalise on the energy for innovation and change seen by accelerating spread and scale of innovation across Wales and beyond to maximise opportunities for improved health and care.

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

The Billions Institute Llc

Procedure type

Direct award

Description of how these justifications apply

the Billions Institute own the intellectual property for the program currently used to deliver the spread and scale training including having trained over a thousand leaders together and completed the Billions Institute Fellowship for Large-Scale Change.

The billions institute will be responsible for the delivery of two, three day, Spread & Scale Academies as below, each for approximately 100 learners;

• Likely 13th – 15th October 2025 plus a 90-minute pre-call

• Likely 10th – 12th March 2026 plus a 90-minute pre-call

The provider will be responsible for all content design and delivery whilst also supporting current Spread & Scale Fellows to develop their skills in these tasks. The provider will also be responsible for booking all flights to the UK whilst finding the best value for money, and all travel to and from Cardiff at the beginning and end of the academies. CVUHB will be responsible for the identification and selection of participants, all communications and materials related to the Academy, and the provision of table facilitators familiar with the spread and scale approach

Direct award justification

Single suppliers intellectual property exclusive rights

Description of risks to contract performance

Without a formal contract in place between the Dragon’s Heart Institute and the Billions Institute, there is a significant risk of misalignment on roles, responsibilities, and deliverables, which could lead to confusion, inefficiencies, and potential conflict. The absence of clearly defined legal and financial terms increases exposure to liability, disputes over intellectual property, and challenges in enforcing accountability or resolving disagreements. A contract is essential to ensure mutual understanding, protect both parties' interests, and provide a structured framework for collaboration, especially when scaling innovative solutions across a national system like NHS Wales.

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)