Provision of a Redaction Solution for Modernisation of the Fitness to Practise Systems

Scope, procedure and submissions

Id

NMC-1006

Status

complete

Procurement Method

direct

Procurement Method Details

Direct award

Why this procedure was chosen

The NMC has undertaken pre-market engagement and market research to understand the capabilities of solutions capable of supporting automated or semi-automated document redaction and related information management functions. The solution must also be capable of integrating with and operating effectively within the NMC's existing technology environment, systems and processes. The NMC identified and assessed these potential solutions. This included consideration of multiple redaction solutions, including solutions offering automated redaction, batch processing, pattern and concept detection and related functionality. The NMC engaged with suppliers through introductory discussions and product demonstrations to assess functional capability, usability, technical architecture and potential integration approaches. This engagement identified potential solutions; however, the NMC's requirements extends beyond the availability of standard redaction functionality. The solution must satisfy the NMC's specific technical and integration requirements and operate effectively within its existing technology environment. The technical compatibility and integration requirements have therefore been a key consideration in determining a preferred solution The NMC is currently undertaking trials of identified solutions to validate its functional capability, technical compatibility and integration with the NMC's existing systems and processes. These trials will provide evidence as to whether the solution can meet the NMC's specific requirements in practice without requiring significant redesign or modification of the existing technology environment. Subject to successful completion of the trial and confirmation that the solution meets the NMC's requirements, the NMC intends to proceed with a direct award to the supplier under Schedule 5, paragraph 6 of PA23. The proposed direct award is based on an absence of competition for technical reasons, specifically the requirement for the solution to provide the necessary redaction functionality while also satisfying the NMC's technical and interoperability requirements.

Published risks

The NMC's requirements for the use of the redaction solution may increase during the contract term as a result of changes in operational demand including; user numbers, casework volumes or the number of users requiring access to the solution. The initial contract will be based on the NMC's current assessment of its licensing requirements. However, the level of licence demand over the contract term cannot be determined with certainty at the point of contract award, as this will depend on the NMC's operational requirements and adoption of the solution. If the NMC's requirements increase during the contract term, additional licences or software add -ins may be required. The contract will provide for the possibility of additional licences and solution add-ins being purchased during the contract term. Any increase in licences or add-ins would be limited to the additional requirement arising and would not change the overall nature of the contract.

Lots and requirements

Published documents

Buyer, suppliers and contacts

Award information

Recorded locations

• Buyer location · LONDON · UKI32 · W1B 1PZ · United Kingdom