Prior Information Notice for Device Repurposing

This notice is to inform suppliers of a potential project to repurpose used phones, laptops, tablet computers and the like. Health Innovation North East North Cumbria (HI NENC) is supporting the NENC Integrated Care Board. The specific aim is to seek support with taking ex-NHS and ex-local government devices so that they can be given to those who need them most for their health needs. This is part of a project that started with an engagement event in the summer to talk about how the service could be set up.

We often need to be online to access healthcare, but not everyone has access to what they need. To be "digitally included", a person needs four things:

Devices: Good, working devices that are right for the tasks. Connectivity: Good access to cheap internet or data to get online. Skills: Knowing confidently how to safely use digital tools. Accessibility: Easily find information and services online.

This programme supports patients who may not have these tools, and the goal is to make sure they are able to have all they need to be digitally included. We want to find suppliers that can support by collecting unused devices from the NHS and partners across the region and check to see if the devices are safe for re-purposing. Suppliers will need to sanitise the devices in accordance with regulations and standards before they are provided to patients. If the devices are not suitable then the suppliers will need to correctly dispose of them.

Suppliers would need to comply fully with all current and forthcoming legislation and regulations related to the packaging, handling, transportation, processing, and disposal of ICT equipment containing personal and sensitive information. They would be expected to already hold appropriate certification, permissions and authorisations to be able to handle the work anticipated above. This could include but is not limited to being approved by CPNI or NPSA (MS) and have a staff vetting process (eg. BPSS/DBS/ SC/DV/NPPV).

Additional information: HI NENC would like to invite potential providers of these services to apply to our Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) DN670401 as a supplier.

You can do this by following this link: procontract.due-north.com/ProjectManagement/ProjectDashboard?projectId=c1881153-e6f3-ed11-8122-005056b64545

This opportunity will be developed as a further competition under Lot 5 of our DPS. You should therefore ensure you apply to Lot 5 to be able to bid to provide this service.

You are also welcome to apply for any other Lots on our DPS that you feel are relevant to your organisation. If your company is not registered with the Proactis (ProContract) Due North Portal, click on this link Supplier registration (due-north.com) and complete your organisation name and email address and continue your registration.

We are expecting to put out the Invitation to Quote to our Lot 5 suppliers in early 2025. This timeline is subject to change. Interested suppliers are advised to apply to the DPS promptly to ensure they have been accepted to the framework and receive the competition notification.

This notice is for information and engaging with the supply market only. It is not a binding statement of intent or call for competition. HI NENC reserves the right not to enter a formal process and not award a contract. The information contained in this notice, including information relating to the nature and scope of the requirements, the service classification of this requirement from the list of CPV codes, is only indicative of the HI NENC's current thinking and is neither exhaustive nor binding. HI NENC reserves the right at its absolute discretion to amend it at the time of issue of any further notices or at any other time.

HI NENC will not be liable for any bid cost, expenditure, work or effort incurred by a potential supplier in acting on the basis of this PIN.