Find a TenderAwarded
Published 4 Feb 2022, 14:15 GMT

Official UK procurement notice

Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

Official notice

Authority: Student Loans Company (Central government)

Framework agreement5 lotsGoodsRestricted procedureSME suitableMax 2 lots per supplier
Framework ceiling (notional)£400,000,000total for 5 lots · framework ceiling, not attributable revenue
Submissions closed 20 May 2022awarded 10 Jul 2023
Lots 5max 2 won per supplier

What is being bought5 lots · detail below

Published requirement description

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following: assessment of study needs, assistive technology (AT), assistive technology (AT) training, and the associated support services. English and Welsh domiciled DSA customers are in scope, with services extending nationwide. To access DSA support, customers will have a needs assessment appointment with a specialist for a discussion – catered to their individual circumstances – about the best type of support available to them. Assistive technology (AT) supply includes computers and software in addition to a range of other equipment such as ergonomic furniture, computer peripherals (printers and scanners), voice recorders, and other specialist items such as braille readers. AT training and ongoing support are services that will be made available to all DSA customers.

  • Recurrence: June 2026

CPV: Computer equipment and supplies · Computer-user familiarisation and training services · Ergonomic · Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products · In information technology · Miscellaneous health services · Parts, accessories and supplies for computers · Personal computers · Portable computers · Repair, maintenance and associated services related to personal computers, office equipment, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment · Software package and information systems · Specialist training services

How this framework works

From the published notice
Bids received
8 bids received · 2 suppliers appointed

Lots and requirements (5)Procurement structure

5 lots · 4 with a published value · win at most 2 of them · same evaluation weights on every lot

Every one of these 4 lots carries the same published figure, £100,000,000: it is the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each lot's own budget, and no share per lot is published. The cards below say ceiling above rather than repeat it.

Lot #1SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following:Planned UKLot estimate not published

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following:

Needs Assessments – a one-to-one appointment with a specialist to determine the customers’ specific needs and create their recommended support package.

Assistive Technology (AT) – the supply, delivery and set-up of specialist equipment, for example, a computer, disability-related software and / or ergonomic furniture. Suppliers will select AT items from an approved catalogue maintained by SLC.

Assistive Technology (AT) Training – training on how to use any equipment and/or software that has been recommended.

Support Services – a helpdesk to answer queries and provide information and guidance. Where repairs are necessary, process insurance and warranty claims and provide loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested. Additional information: DSA is a non-income assessed grant and is available to eligible higher education customers in full time, part-time, post-graduate and distance learning courses who have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010.

SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to our customers in colleges and universities in the UK.

Delivery: UK · UNITED KINGDOM
Lot #2Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic LotsCancelledRenewal North East, North West +2ceiling above

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following: Needs Assessments – a one-to-one appointment with a specialist to determine the customers’ specific needs and create their recommended support package. Assistive Technology (AT) – the supply, delivery and set-up of specialist equipment, for example, a computer, disability-related software and / or ergonomic furniture. Suppliers will select AT items from an approved catalogue maintained by SLC. Assistive Technology (AT) Training – training on how to use any equipment and/or software that has been recommended. Support Services – a helpdesk to answer queries and provide information and guidance; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested. Additional information: DSA is a non-income assessed grant and is available to eligible higher education customers in full time, part-time, post-graduate and distance learning courses who have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010. SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to our customers in colleges and universities in the UK.

Delivery: North East, North West, Yorkshire & Humber, Scotland · SCOTLAND,YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER,NORTH WEST (ENGLAND),NORTH EAST (ENGLAND)
Extensions: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision · The framework will last for 36 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision. Following this period the framework will be subject to a further procurement exercise.Second stage: 2–3 candidates invited to tenderVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #3Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic LotsCancelledRenewal East Midlands, West Midlands +2ceiling above

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following: Needs Assessments – a one-to-one appointment with a specialist to determine the customers’ specific needs and create their recommended support package. Assistive Technology (AT) – the supply, delivery and set-up of specialist equipment, for example, a computer, disability-related software and / or ergonomic furniture. Suppliers will select AT items from an approved catalogue maintained by SLC. Assistive Technology (AT) Training – training on how to use any equipment and/or software that has been recommended. Support Services – a helpdesk to answer queries and provide information and guidance; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested. Additional information: DSA is a non-income assessed grant and is available to eligible higher education customers in full time, part-time, post-graduate and distance learning courses who have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010. SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to our customers in colleges and universities in the UK.

Delivery: East Midlands, West Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland · EAST MIDLANDS (ENGLAND),WEST MIDLANDS (ENGLAND),WALES,NORTHERN IRELAND
Extensions: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision · The framework will last for 36 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision. Following this period the framework will be subject to a further procurement exercise.Second stage: 2–3 candidates invited to tenderVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #4Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic LotsCancelledRenewal East of England, Londonceiling above

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following: Needs Assessments – a one-to-one appointment with a specialist to determine the customers’ specific needs and create their recommended support package. Assistive Technology (AT) – the supply, delivery and set-up of specialist equipment, for example, a computer, disability-related software and / or ergonomic furniture. Suppliers will select AT items from an approved catalogue maintained by SLC. Assistive Technology (AT) Training – training on how to use any equipment and/or software that has been recommended. Support Services – a helpdesk to answer queries and provide information and guidance; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested. Additional information: DSA is a non-income assessed grant and is available to eligible higher education customers in full time, part-time, post-graduate and distance learning courses who have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010. SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to our customers in colleges and universities in the UK.

Delivery: East of England, London · EAST OF ENGLAND,LONDON
Extensions: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision · The framework will last for 36 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision. Following this period the framework will be subject to a further procurement exercise.Second stage: 2–3 candidates invited to tenderVariant bids: not allowed
Lot #5Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic LotsCancelledRenewal South East, South Westceiling above

SLC is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suppliers to deliver the following: Needs Assessments – a one-to-one appointment with a specialist to determine the customers’ specific needs and create their recommended support package. Assistive Technology (AT) – the supply, delivery and set-up of specialist equipment, for example, a computer, disability-related software and / or ergonomic furniture. Suppliers will select AT items from an approved catalogue maintained by SLC. Assistive Technology (AT) Training – training on how to use any equipment and/or software that has been recommended. Support Services – a helpdesk to answer queries and provide information and guidance; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested. Additional information: DSA is a non-income assessed grant and is available to eligible higher education customers in full time, part-time, post-graduate and distance learning courses who have a disability as defined under the Equality Act 2010. SLC is a non-profit making government-owned organisation that administers loans and grants to our customers in colleges and universities in the UK.

Delivery: South East, South West · SOUTH EAST (ENGLAND),SOUTH WEST (ENGLAND)
Extensions: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision. · The framework will last for 36 months with the option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer's discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision. Following this period the framework will be subject to a further procurement exercise.Second stage: 2–3 candidates invited to tenderVariant bids: not allowed

What it takes to win
i

How this buyer will score bids.

The evaluation criteria and weights exactly as published on the notice, grouped by family (price, quality, social value and so on).

Evaluation split and conditions of participation as published; the tender pack may add more
How bids were scored · same split on all 4 lots
Quality: 60%Price: 30%Social value: 10%
Published sub-criteria (12)
  • Delivery of the DSA Process: 5%
  • Performing Needs Assessment: 8%
  • Equipment Provision & Support: 8%
  • Provision of Assistive Technology Training: 8%
  • Service Management and Administration: 5%
  • Transition Planning and Management: 8%
  • Quality and Continuous Improvement: 6%
  • Data Security: 2%
  • Lot Specific Question: 5%
  • Presentation: 5%
  • price: 30%
  • Social Value: 10%
Conditions of participation1
  • Suitability

    No applicable

What this means for your bid
  • Price carries 30 of 100 points: a 10% discount moves about 3 points. The method statement decides this lot, not the discount.
  • “Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services” is a framework: the contest is a place on its panel, not a single contract.

Price arithmetic assumes straight proportional scoring; the tender pack may use another formula.

Procedure terms & legal framework

From the official record · publisher note attached
Procedure method
Restricted procedure
Legal basis
CELEX · 32014L0024 Public Contracts Regulations 2015 (Directive 2014/24/EU)
Procurement category
Goods
Notice status
Awarded
Procurement threshold
Unspecified in notice
Regulatory regime
Standard
Commercial structure
Framework agreement
Who may use this agreement
Not stated in the notice; call-off rights may be limited to the establishing authority
Competition type
Competitive procedure
GPA / WTO covered
Yes (GPA)
Recurring procurement
Yes · June 2026
First published
4 Feb 2022, 14:15 GMT
Last source update
20 Jul 2023, 10:05 BST
Authority reference
2021-TR-0056
FTS notice number
2023/S 000-020881
Classification (CPV)
Computer equipment and suppliesComputer-user familiarisation and training servicesErgonomicFurniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning productsIn information technologyMiscellaneous health servicesParts, accessories and supplies for computersPersonal computersPortable computersRepair, maintenance and associated services related to personal computers, office equipment, telecommunications and audio-visual equipment
+2 moreSoftware package and information systemsSpecialist training services
Delivery area
UKNorth East (UKC)North West (UKD)Yorkshire & Humber (UKE)East Midlands (UKF)West Midlands (UKG)East of England (UKH)London (UKI)
+4 moreSouth East (UKJ)South West (UKK)Wales (UKL)Scotland (UKM)
Official registry OCID
ocds-h6vhtk-031369 Find a Tender
Contract terms
Electronic trading
e-invoicing allowed · electronic ordering · electronic payment
Performance terms

The service will have a number of KPIs in place to manage the performance of the various elements of the service.

Publisher note: The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. To view this notice, please click here: <a href="https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=768717239" target="_blank">https://www.delta-esourcing.com/delta/viewNotice.html?noticeId=768717239</a> GO Reference: GO-2023720-PRO-23449616

How it was run

Official notice
Run through: Delta eSourcing · Who buys & how to bid on Delta
Public notice page · account needed to bidLanguage: EN
Access & registration note: Free Select account; no DUNS asked at signup

Tender documents are also served through a separate tool: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/respond/G82ENN76GH ↗

Appointment period ends
20 May 2022, 12:00 BST
Submission channel
{"electronicSubmission","written"}
Accepted languages
en
Bid validity
180 days from the deadline
Detailed submission instructions & authority contactsFrom official release

Timeline

25 Mar 2022 → 20 Jul 2023 · 4 dates
  1. Next notice expected
    25 Mar 2022
  2. Admission / appointment period endsperiod end, not a bid countdown
    20 May 2022, 12:00 BST
  3. Invitations to tender expected
    17 Jun 2022, 00:00 BST
  4. Notice published
    20 Jul 2023, 10:05 BST

Notice history

4 events · 4 releases on Find a Tender · since 7 Apr 2022
  1. Status changed to active
    7 Apr 2022, 19:05 BST
  2. Procurement method changed
    7 Apr 2022, 19:05 BST
  3. Deadline published: 20 May 2022, 12:00 BST
    7 Apr 2022, 19:05 BST
  4. Status changed to complete
    20 Jul 2023, 10:05 BST
Published amendments (1 · 0 deadline changes)
WhenWhatBeforeAfterShift
—TextII.2.9 · II.2Envisaged Minimum Number: 2 Maximum Number: 3Envisaged Minimum Number: 5 Maximum Number: 8
—TextII.2.9 · II.2Envisaged Minimum Number: 2 Maximum Number: 3Envisaged Minimum Number: 5 Maximum Number: 8
—TextII.2.9 · II.2Envisaged Minimum Number: 2 Maximum Number: 3Envisaged Minimum Number: 5 Maximum Number: 8
—TextII.2.9 · II.2Envisaged Minimum Number: 2 Maximum Number: 3Envisaged Minimum Number: 5 Maximum Number: 8

The contracting authority considers that this contract may be suitable for economic operators that are small or medium enterprises (SMEs). However, any selection of tenderers will be based solely on the criteria set out for the procurement. For more information about this opportunity, please visit the Delta eSourcing portal at: https://www.delta-esourcing.com/tenders/UK-UK-Darlington:-Computer-eq…

Routine re-releases (4)
  • 2022-02: 1 release · 4 Feb 2022

Commercial outcome & contract awards

Published awards, contracts and bid statistics, not a forecast
Suppliers appointed 2admitted to the panel · see the list ↓
Bids received 84 from SMEs
Contracts signed 4latest 10 Jul 2023

4 suppliers are admitted to this framework without individual award values or dates, see the supplier list below.

Contracts

All 4 of these contracts carry the same published figure, £100,000,000, the framework's maximum for the whole notice, not each contract's own value. They are not eleven separate sums.

  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

    Signed
    10 Jul 2023
    Value
    ceiling above
    Status
    active
  • Disabled Student Allowances' (DSA) Supplies and Services

    Signed
    10 Jul 2023
    Value
    ceiling above
    Status
    active
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

    Signed
    7 Jul 2023
    Value
    ceiling above
    Status
    active
  • Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

    Signed
    7 Jul 2023
    Value
    ceiling above
    Status
    active

Bid statistics published by the authority

BidsSMEVCSEValid bid range
8bids · 8 electronic4——

Contracting authority & participating public bodies

Student Loans Company

Contracting authorityCentral GovernmentBody governed by public lawProcessing of Student Finance Memphis Building, Lingfield Point, McMullen Road, Darlington, North East, DL1 1RWContact name, email, phone Published organisation website ↗

Framework contractors & participating bidders

2 commercial parties on the notice

Official documents & specifications (2)

Official links; attachments are not copied

Tender pack and attachments

  • Economic and financial selection criteriatenderEconomic and financial selection criteria
  • Technical selection criteriatenderTechnical selection criteria