United Kingdom-Darlington: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

Type of document: Contract Notice
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Ref: (2022/S 000-009432/EN)
Nature of contract: Supply contract
Procedure: Restricted procedure
Type of bid required: Global bid

Contract notice
Supplies

Section I: Contracting authority
I.1) Name and addresses
Official name: Student Loans Company
Postal address: Memphis Building, Lingfield Point, McMullen Road
Town: Darlington
Postal code: DL1 1RW
Country: United Kingdom
Contact Person: Rhod Stone
Telephone: +44 1413062000
Email: rhod_stone@slc.co.uk
Internet address(es):
Main address:

I.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge,at:
Additional information can be obtained from:
the above mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted:
electronically via:
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Other activity: Processing of Student Finance

Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

Reference number: 2021-TR-0056
II.1.2) Main CPV code: 30200000
II.1.3) Type of contract: Supplies
II.1.4) Short 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.
II.1.5) Estimated total value:
Value excluding VAT: 400000000 Currency: GBPII.1.6) Information about lots:
The contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for all lots
Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer 2
II.2) Description
II.2.1) Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic Lots

Lot No:Lot 1 – Scotland, North West England, North East England, Yorkshire and the Humber
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
30213100, 30237000, 50300000, 39000000,
Supplementary CPV code: CA6948000000, 30213000, 80510000,
Supplementary CPV code: RC0580533000, 85140000

II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
Main site or place of performance:
SCOTLAND,YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER,NORTH WEST (ENGLAND),NORTH EAST (ENGLAND)

II.2.4) Description of the procurement:
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.
II.2.5) Award criteria

II.2.6) Estimated value:
Value excluding VAT: 100000000 Currency: GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract,framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewalyes Description of renewals: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.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 2
Maximum number: 3
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Candidates will be selected on their demonstrable ability to deliver the core services required and their experience in delivering services to disabled customers.

II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: no
II.2.11) Information about options
Options yes
Description of options: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer’s discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:no
II.2.14) 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.

II.2.1) Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic Lots

Lot No:Lot 2 – West Midlands, East Midlands, Wales, Northern Ireland
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
30213100, 30237000, 50300000, 39000000,
Supplementary CPV code: CA6948000000, 30213000, 80510000,
Supplementary CPV code: RC0580533000, 85140000

II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
Main site or place of performance:
EAST MIDLANDS (ENGLAND),WEST MIDLANDS (ENGLAND),WALES,NORTHERN IRELAND

II.2.4) Description of the procurement:
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.
II.2.5) Award criteria

II.2.6) Estimated value:
Value excluding VAT: 100000000 Currency: GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract,framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewalyes Description of renewals: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.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 2
Maximum number: 3
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Candidates will be selected on their demonstrable ability to deliver the core services required and their experience in delivering services to disabled customers.

II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: no
II.2.11) Information about options
Options yes
Description of options: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer’s discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:no
II.2.14) 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.

II.2.1) Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic Lots

Lot No:Lot 3 – East England, London
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
30213100, 30237000, 50300000, 39000000,
Supplementary CPV code: CA6948000000, 30213000, 80510000,
Supplementary CPV code: RC0580533000, 85140000

II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
Main site or place of performance:
EAST OF ENGLAND,LONDON

II.2.4) Description of the procurement:
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.
II.2.5) Award criteria

II.2.6) Estimated value:
Value excluding VAT: 100000000 Currency: GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract,framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewalyes Description of renewals: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.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 2
Maximum number: 3
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Candidates will be selected on their demonstrable ability to deliver the core services required and their experience in delivering services to disabled customers.

II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: no
II.2.11) Information about options
Options yes
Description of options: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer’s discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:no
II.2.14) 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.

II.2.1) Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services – Geographic Lots

Lot No:Lot 4 – South West England, South East England
II.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
30213100, 30237000, 50300000, 39000000,
Supplementary CPV code: CA6948000000, 30213000, 80510000,
Supplementary CPV code: RC0580533000, 85140000

II.2.3) Place of performance
Nuts code:
Main site or place of performance:
SOUTH EAST (ENGLAND),SOUTH WEST (ENGLAND)

II.2.4) Description of the procurement:
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.
II.2.5) Award criteria

II.2.6) Estimated value:
Value excluding VAT: 100000000 Currency: GBP
II.2.7) Duration of the contract,framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Duration in months: 36
This contract is subject to renewalyes Description of renewals: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.

II.2.9) Information about the limits on the number of candidates to be invited
Envisaged minimum number: 2
Maximum number: 3
Objective criteria for choosing the limited number of candidates: Candidates will be selected on their demonstrable ability to deliver the core services required and their experience in delivering services to disabled customers.

II.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: no
II.2.11) Information about options
Options yes
Description of options: Option to extend for a further 2 x 12 month periods at the buyer’s discretion and subject to satisfactory service provision.

II.2.13) Information about European Union funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds:no
II.2.14) 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.

Section III: Legal, economic, financial and technical information
III.1) Conditions for participation
III.1.1) Suitability to pursue the professional activity,including requirements relating to enrolment on professional or trade registers
List and brief description of conditions:No applicable
III.1.2) Economic and financial standing
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents
III.1.3) Technical and professional ability
Selection criteria as stated in the procurement documents

III.2.2) Contract performance conditions: The service will have a number of KPIs in place to manage the performance of the various elements of the service.

Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.1) Type of procedure:
Restricted procedure
IV.1.3) Information about a framework agreement or a dynamic purchasing system
The procurement involves the establishment of a framework agreement
Framework agreement with several operators

In the case of framework agreements,provide justification for any duration exceeding 4 years:

Due to the expectation of the time and investment required by both SLC and suppliers in putting in place the new service, SLC has determined to make the contract 5 years in duration in total (3 years with an option to extend by up to 2 x 1year) to allow sufficient benefit from the service to be achieved in that period.
IV.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement(GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: yes
IV.2) Administrative information
IV.2.1) Previous publication concerning this procedure
Notice number in the OJ S:2022/S 000-003278
IV.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date: 2022-05-20 Local time: 12:00
IV.2.3) Estimated date of dispatch of invitations to tender or to participate to selected candidates
Date: 2022-06-17
IV.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted:EN
IV.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tender must maintain the tender
Duration in months:6(from the date stated for receipt of tender)

Section VI: Complementary information
VI.1) Information about recurrence:
This is a recurrent procurement: yes
Estimated timing for further notices to be published:June 2026
VI.2) Information about electronic workflows
Electronic ordering will be used
Electronic invoicing will be accepted
Electronic payment will be used
VI.3) Additional information:
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:

To respond to this opportunity, please click here:

GO Reference: GO-202247-PRO-19931395
VI.4) Procedures for review
VI.4.1) Review body
Official name: Student Loans Company
Postal address: 100 Bothwell Street
Town: Glasgow
Postal code: G2 7JD
Country: United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1413062109

VI.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
Official name: Student Loans Company
Postal address: 100 Bothwell Street
Town: Glasgow
Postal code: G2 7JD
Country: United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1413062109
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice:2022-04-07