The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has published a tender opportunity for the delivery of a comprehensive wheelchair assessment and equipment service in Dudley. This opportunity may be of particular interest to BHTA members involved in wheelchair assessment, provision, and equipment servicing.

The contract seeks a qualified supplier to provide an all-age, holistic service supporting individuals with long-term mobility and postural needs. This open procedure has been released under the Procurement Act 2023 and is open to suitably experienced organisations, including small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) and voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), capable of delivering value-driven, patient-centred wheelchair services.

Service overview

The service aims to provide users with the appropriate assessment, equipment, and ongoing support necessary to enable independent, active, and healthy lives. This includes:

• Comprehensive clinical assessments tailored to individual needs.
• Maintenance, repair, and reassessment as conditions change.
• Holistic consideration of lifestyle, educational, and social factors.
• Delivery aligned with the Wheelchair Quality Framework standards and principles.

The contract focuses on value for money over lowest cost, prioritising outcomes that enhance user independence and integration within the community.

Contract details

• Estimated total value: £6,750,000 (excluding VAT)
  £8,115,845 (including VAT)
• Contract duration: Three years, with the option to extend for up to a further two years
• Estimated contract period: 1 October 2026 – 30 September 2029 (possible extension to 2031)

Location and scope

The service will cover the Dudley area and support all-age service users registered with a Dudley GP. The scope includes full lifecycle management of wheelchair provision—from initial assessment through to maintenance, repair, and replacement when required.

Key dates

• Enquiry deadline: 5pm on 26 January 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 5pm on 4 February 2026
• Estimated award date: 24 March 2026
• Anticipated start date: 1 October 2026

Accessing and applying for the tender

Interested organisations can access the procurement documentation and register their interest via the Atamis portal.

Once logged in, search for:

• Project reference: C403837
• Project name: Dudley Wheelchair Assessment and Equipment Service

For any enquiries, contact Kimberley Walker at NHS Black Country ICB via email: kimberley.walker13@nhs.net.

British Healthcare Trades Association (BHTA) members working in the community beds and pressure care sectors may be interested in a new procurement opportunity.

Wigan Council’s Community Beds and Pressure Care Contract (PA059) contract seeks to establish a standalone agreement to supply a range of beds and pressure care equipment to support healthcare provision across the borough of Wigan. The contract is designed to help prescribers facilitate hospital discharges, prevent hospital admissions, and enable residents to live independently at home.

Tender overview

• Procurement type: Open procedure
• Contract value: £800,000 (excluding VAT) / £960,000 (including VAT)
• Contract duration: 20 April 2026 – 19 April 2028
• Possible extension: One 12-month option to 19 April 2029

The contract aims to appoint a single supplier to deliver the full range of products specified in the tender documentation, supporting efficiency and cost reduction.

Award criteria

• Quality (including social value): 50 percent
• Price: 50 percent

Full evaluation and submission requirements are outlined in the tender documents available via The Chest Procurement Portal.

Participation and submission

Interested suppliers can access the tender documentation and submit their applications electronically via The Chest.

• Enquiry deadline: 23 January 2026
• Tender submission deadline: 30 January 2026
• Estimated award decision date: 19 March 2026

Contact: Amanda Taylor
Email: a.taylor3@wigan.gov.uk
Website: www.wigan.gov.uk