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

Type of document: Contract award
Country: United Kingdom
Publication Ref: (2023/S 000-020881/EN)
Nature of contract: Supply contract
Procedure: Restricted procedure
Type of bid required: Not applicable

Contract award 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.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.1.6) Information about lots:
The contract is divided into lots: yes
II.1.7) Total value of the procurement(excluding VAT)
Value:400000000
Currency:GBP
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)
Main CPV code: 30213100
Main CPV code: 30237000
Main CPV code: 50300000
Main CPV code: 39000000
Supplementary CPV code: CA69
Main CPV code: 48000000
Main CPV code: 30213000
Main CPV code: 80510000
Supplementary CPV code: RC05
Main CPV code: 80533000
Main CPV code: 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; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested.

II.2.5)Award criteria

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)
Main CPV code: 30213100
Main CPV code: 30237000
Main CPV code: 50300000
Main CPV code: 39000000
Supplementary CPV code: CA69
Main CPV code: 48000000
Main CPV code: 30213000
Main CPV code: 80510000
Supplementary CPV code: RC05
Main CPV code: 80533000
Main CPV code: 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; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested.

II.2.5)Award criteria

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)
Main CPV code: 30213100
Main CPV code: 30237000
Main CPV code: 50300000
Main CPV code: 39000000
Supplementary CPV code: CA69
Main CPV code: 48000000
Main CPV code: 30213000
Main CPV code: 80510000
Supplementary CPV code: RC05
Main CPV code: 80533000
Main CPV code: 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; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested.

II.2.5)Award criteria

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)
Main CPV code: 30213100
Main CPV code: 30237000
Main CPV code: 50300000
Main CPV code: 39000000
Supplementary CPV code: CA69
Main CPV code: 48000000
Main CPV code: 30213000
Main CPV code: 80510000
Supplementary CPV code: RC05
Main CPV code: 80533000
Main CPV code: 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; provision of resolution of repairs and breakages; and loan equipment when required. Support services also include processing any upgrades and review of needs requested.

II.2.5)Award criteria

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 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
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
Section V: Award of contract
Contract No: 2021-TR-0056
Lot No: 1
Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

A contract/lot is awarded yes
V.2) Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract:2023-07-10
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received:8
Number of tenders received from SMEs:3
Number of tenders received from other EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received from non-EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received by electronic means:8
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: no
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: Study Tech Limited
National registration number: 14762480
Postal address: Equilibrium House, Mansion Close, Moulton Park Industrial Estate
Town: Northampton
Postal code: NN3 6RU
Country: United Kingdom
Nuts code:
The contractor is an SME yes

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot(excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 100000000
Total value of the contract/lot:100000000
Currency:GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted
Value or proportion likely to be subcontracted to third parties
Contract No: 2021-TR-0056-2
Lot No: 2
Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

A contract/lot is awarded yes
V.2) Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract:2023-07-07
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received:8
Number of tenders received from SMEs:4
Number of tenders received from other EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received from non-EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received by electronic means:8
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: no
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: Capita Business Services Limited
National registration number: 02299747
Postal address: 65 Gresham Street
Town: London
Postal code: EC2V 7NQ
Country: United Kingdom
Nuts code:
The contractor is an SME no

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot(excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 100000000
Total value of the contract/lot:100000000
Currency:GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted
Value or proportion likely to be subcontracted to third parties
Contract No: 2021-TR-0056-3
Lot No: 3
Title: Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) Supplies and Services

A contract/lot is awarded yes
V.2) Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract:2023-07-07
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received:8
Number of tenders received from SMEs:3
Number of tenders received from other EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received from non-EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received by electronic means:8
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: no
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: Capita Business Services Limited
National registration number: 02299747
Postal address: 65 Gresham Street
Town: London
Postal code: EC2V 7NQ
Country: United Kingdom
Nuts code:
The contractor is an SME no

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot(excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 100000000
Total value of the contract/lot:100000000
Currency:GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted
Value or proportion likely to be subcontracted to third parties
Contract No: 2021-TR-0056-4
Lot No: 4
Title: Disabled Student Allowances’ (DSA) Supplies and Services

A contract/lot is awarded yes
V.2) Award of contract
V.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract:2023-07-10
V.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received:7
Number of tenders received from SMEs:3
Number of tenders received from other EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received from non-EU Member States:0
Number of tenders received by electronic means:7
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: no
V.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
Official name: Study Tech Limited
National registration number: 14762480
Postal address: Equilibrium House, Mansion Close, Moulton Park Industrial Estate
Town: Northampton
Postal code: NN3 6RU
Country: United Kingdom
Nuts code:
The contractor is an SME yes

V.2.4) Information on value of the contract/lot(excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: 100000000
Total value of the contract/lot:100000000
Currency:GBP
V.2.5) Information about subcontracting
The contract is likely to be subcontracted
Value or proportion likely to be subcontracted to third parties

Section VI: Complementary information
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.
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GO Reference: GO-2023720-PRO-23449616
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:
2023-07-20