PQ0483 - Provision of ordering, receiving, packaging, storing, and distributing Healthy Start Vitamins (HSV) - AWARD

The Healthy Start Scheme is a statutory public health initiative to improve the health of low-income pregnant women and families. Women who are at least 10 weeks pregnant and families with children under four years old qualify if they are on benefits and tax credits. The scheme offers eligible women and families ?4.25 (?8.50 for a baby under 1 year) to spend on milk, fruit, vegetables and first stage infant milk. In addition, families also receive Healthy Start Vitamins.

Birmingham City Council (the Council) require a supplier that can, electronically manage vitamin orders from distributing sites, order vitamins in a timely manner, store vitamins and distribute the vitamins across the city to active distribution sites such as:

o Children Centres

o community pharmacies

o GP practices

o midwife/health visitor teams

o nurseries

o faith organisations, with active settings currently at 138 sites.

The successful provider will:

o Must hold a current MHRA (Medical & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) licence for the collection and distribution of vitamins,(Copy of licence needs to be attached to application form)

o Be responsible for ordering Healthy Start vitamins through NHS Supply Chain ensuring each distribution site has sufficient stock.

o Have in place and continue to maintain stock control management software which tracks stock levels, orders, and deliveries.

o Maintain data quality and record keeping, utilising the aforementioned computer software to reflect site activity that can be gathered into quarterly reports to the commissioner which can identify trends on vitamins orders, issue, and overall distribution.

o Facilitate registration of new HSV sites.

o Ensure appropriate storage of vitamins, maintaining a temperature below 25 degrees.

o Take vitamin order requests from distribution sites, collecting relevant data regarding quantity, site code, and ensuring appropriate troubleshooting when relevant.

o Transport vitamins in response to orders, ensuring they are kept at an ambient temperature upon delivery and collection.

o Vitamin stock delivery should be completed in a timely manner (within 5 working days).

o Take the lead in stock management, working closely with distribution sites and the NHS Supply Distribution Chain to maintain vitamin stock availability while minimising waste and appropriately disposing of returned/ expired stock.

o Produce quarterly performance reports for contract meetings with commissioning team, addressing any troubleshooting issues within a reasonable timeframe, and minimising any

potential risks.

The contract will commence on February 2024 for a period of 3 years with the option to extend for a further 1 year subject to funding availability and supplier performance.

The Council will be using its free to use e-tendering system (in-tend) for the administration of this procurement process and...