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

Description

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...