Clinical Waste Containers · UK public procurement notice

The Contracting Authority intends to directly award an interim contract for the provision of clinical waste containers for a period of seven months. This interim arrangement is necessary to ensure continuity of supply of clinically essential waste containment products pending commencement of a replacement contract following completion of an impending competitive procurement process. The Contracting Authority considers that any interruption to the availability of clinical waste containers would present significant operational, infection prevention and control, and patient safety risks across healthcare settings. The continued provision of these products is necessary to support the safe collection, segregation, storage and disposal of healthcare waste and to enable the Contracting Authority and participating organisations to meet their statutory and regulatory obligations in relation to waste management and health and safety. The proposed contract is an interim measure only and has been limited to the minimum period considered necessary to maintain continuity of service and facilitate transition to the replacement arrangement resulting from the ongoing competitive procurement process. The Contracting Authority considers that the direct award is necessary to avoid a gap in provision that would adversely affect the delivery of healthcare services and the safe management of clinical waste.

As noted, the Contracting Authority is undertaking a competitive procurement process for a replacement contract. As the replacement arrangement will not be operational until 1 April 2027, an interim contract is required to ensure continuity of supply during this period. The duration of the direct award has been restricted to seven months, which is the minimum period considered necessary to bridge the gap to implementation of the replacement competitive arrangement. Failure to secure interim provision would create material risks to service continuity, patient safety, infection control, and compliance with healthcare waste management requirements.