Firstly, Buying Solutions cannot comment on issues relating to the operating models, funding or status of Trusts. However, we can assure you that Buying Solutions’ procurements are conducted under the Official Journal for the European Union (OJEU) and in line with the Public Contracts Regulations (2006). Under these regulations, we are not able to discriminate against public sector organisations competing to provide products and services to other public bodies.
The tenders in the Telecare, Telehealth and Telecoaching procurement were evaluated against strict criteria and the successful suppliers clearly demonstrated that they were able to deliver the requirements of the framework agreement.
The limits of liability stated in your communication are not correct. The correct limits as stated in the framework agreement are: The maximum liability shall in no event exceed the greater of one (1) million pounds or one hundred and twenty five percent (125%) of the Charges paid or payable to the service provider in the year of a given Contract.
In order to ensure all suppliers on the framework agreement are able to compete fairly for business, appropriate steps have been taken to restrict access to the Telecare, Telehealth and Telecoaching eCatalogue for the suppliers in question, thus precluding them from viewing the pricing information contained within other supplier’s catalogues.
You may also be interested to know that Buying Solutions is now part of the Cabinet Office rather than HM Treasury.
Buying Solutions 2 November 2010