Engagement process description
The Authority conducted preliminary market engagement to understand current capability, capacity, compliance standards, sustainability practices, workforce competence, storage readiness, service‑delivery performance, and social‑value opportunities in relation to the forthcoming procurement of Disabled Facilities Grant (DFG) lifting equipment. This engagement was undertaken before the procurement procedure commenced to ensure that the commercial strategy reflects accurate and up‑to‑date market intelligence.
The engagement focused on the full range of requirements anticipated under the contract, including:
-Supply, installation, servicing, maintenance, refurbishment, and recycling of stairlifts and through‑floor lifts.
-Compliance with statutory regulations (including LOLER, BS EN 81‑40, CDM regulations, and relevant British Standards).
-Sustainability processes relating to reuse, recycling, environmental impact, and waste‑reduction practices.
-Workforce qualifications, DBS checks, safeguarding awareness, and competence assurance.
-Storage facilities, asset‑management approaches, logistics capability, and security arrangements.
-Service delivery, response times, emergency call‑out capability, and performance management.
-Social value commitments, including employment, training, community initiatives, and environmental contributions.
The engagement was carried out remotely. All RFI documentation, clarifications, and responses were issued and received electronically during the RFI engagement window.
Suppliers were invited to participate by submitting a written response to the RFI. They were provided with instructions to:
-Complete and return the RFI questionnaire within the specified timeframe.
-Provide supporting information and evidence where available.
-Submit clarification questions in writing during the RFI window.
The RFI demonstrated that the market is capable of delivering the full scope of requirements. Responses showed:
-Strong capability to deliver installation, maintenance, and recycling services.
-Consistent compliance with relevant technical and safety standards.
-Varied levels of detail regarding sustainability processes, storage readiness, and workforce qualifications.
-A good understanding among suppliers of the service‑delivery .expectations, including appointment scheduling, installation lead times, and emergency response.
-Differing levels of maturity in social‑value delivery, with some suppliers providing structured and well‑evidenced programmes.
The information gathered has helped the Authority assess market capacity, refine requirements, and confirm that the sector is able to meet the expected standards for this procurement.