Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
The Common Services Agency (more commonly known as NHS National Services Scotland) ("NSS")
Gyle Square (NSS Head Office), 1 South Gyle Crescent
Edinburgh
EH12 9EB
UK
Contact person: Ope Ore
E-mail: ope.ore@nhs.scot
NUTS: UKM
Internet address(es)
Main address: http://www.nss.nhs.scot/browse/procurement-and-logistics
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA11883
I.2) Joint procurement
The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
Enhanced Cloud Services to support Unified Communications
II.1.2) Main CPV code
72000000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) has a need to build on its existing Unified Communications (UC) service currently delivered through multiple disparate channels.
The intention is to supplement and enhance NSS’s existing investment in UC tools to provide a joined-up, cloud-focused, platform that allows NSS to develop, and efficiently build, multi-channel communication services to support the Health Service in Scotland.
This exercise is being carried out in advance of any formal procurement process. It is not a pre-qualification or tendering exercise. The results of this exercise will be used to inform NSS decision-making process in respect of the implementation of a solution and may or may not result in a future procurement exercise.
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
72000000
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UKM
Main site or place of performance:
Scotland
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
NSS is exploring the options for the possible procurement of enhanced UC services.
NHS National Services Scotland (NSS) has a need to build on its existing Unified Communications (UC) service currently delivered through multiple disparate channels.
The intention is to supplement and enhance NSS’s existing investment in UC tools to provide a joined-up, cloud-focused, platform that allows NSS to develop, and efficiently build, multi-channel communication services to support the Health Service in Scotland.
NSS’s current core platform consists of:
-Microsoft 365 – full suite with extensive use of Microsoft Teams
-Avaya Aura 8 IP PBX, virtualised on-premise in NSS managed Data Centres, with SIP Trunking
-Mobile Device Telephony provided by EE National framework (smartphones and tablets)
-Teams Conferencing
-ServiceNow, for Service and CRM integration
This platform is supplemented by an 8x8 Virtual Office and Contact Centre which is being used on a temporary basis to support the Scottish Government Vaccination Programme.
The objective of this exercise is to obtain up-to-date information and feedback from the market in order to:
-understand market capabilities and solutions in relation to the functionality required; and
-provide NSS with indicative costs associated with the implementation and ongoing support of a suitable solution
II.2.14) Additional information
Interested suppliers can download the questionnaire attached to this notice. Please follow the instructions in the document.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
02/10/2023
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.3) Additional information
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=735844.
NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Public Contracts Scotland Web Site at https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=735844.
(SC Ref:735844)
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
19/06/2023