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BHTA members involved in orthotic and prosthetic services are encouraged to review this pre-market engagement opportunity from NHS Shared Business Services (NHS SBS), which is preparing a proposed new framework agreement for these services. The proposed framework is intended to support timely access to high-quality services that help improve mobility, function, independence, and quality of life for patients with complex needs.
This notice relates to early market engagement rather than a live contract award process. NHS SBS is seeking supplier input through a Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire, which will help shape the final framework and its lot structure before any formal contract notice is published.
The proposed framework would be available to approved organisations across the UK, including NHS and social care organisations, integrated care boards, local authorities, NHS trusts, foundation trusts, NHS England, and other bodies authorised by NHS SBS.
This is a pre-market engagement notice under the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. The provisions of the Procurement Act 2023 do not apply.
NHS SBS states that the new framework, subject to review and change, is expected to go live immediately after the existing framework agreement SBS10247 expires on 9 October 2027. The estimated date for publication of the contract notice is 21 January 2027.
The proposed framework is intended to cover orthotic and prosthetic services that support patients with complex needs. NHS SBS states that the overall aim is to improve mobility and function, reduce falls and the need for acute interventions, and help limit additional costs associated with chronic care.
The notice also states that sustainability and social value will carry sufficient weighting in the eventual tender process.
At this stage, the potential structure is split into two lots. Lot 1 covers orthotic services, while lot 2 covers prosthetic services. NHS SBS notes that the lots will be further defined as an outcome of this pre-market engagement exercise.
Suppliers interested in taking part in the market engagement should complete the Preliminary Market Engagement Questionnaire via SAP Ariba.
NHS SBS also states that it intends to hold market engagement sessions with industry experts and suppliers interested in potentially bidding for the resulting framework agreement. A valid DUNS number is required to register on the system.