Clarifications

We can confirm that suppliers may agree with buyers to deem schedule 6 - ICT Services as not applicable. Any optional schedule may be excluded from contracts as agreed with buyers and does not require the addition of a special term to specify this, they should just be excluded.

1. CCS are happy with what is proposed and that this would need to be agreed with customers on an individual call off basis. 2. Buyer's will need to agree with suppliers on an individual basis any requests for changes or special terms

This will cover the limitation period of claims. If an individual made a claim after the event the supplier would still need to have the relevant insurance to be covered.

Audits should be conducted on the supplier information security management system and security testing. We would not expect this schedule to be used in such a way by a buyer to audit or have access to supplier confidential data, the audits referred to are for the purpose of confirming compliance with security measures outlined and agreed to in Schedule 9.

ICT policy is something that a buyer would provide to a successful supplier. Or Order Schedule 6 ICT Services which is an optional schedule for those contracts that include suppliers providing ICT services as part of the contract.

Where a buyer has deemed that Part B: Long Form Security Requirements will apply, audit mechanisms will be agreed between buyer and supplier as part of the ISMS, and buyers may carry out necessary audits to confirm this complies with those points listed in 3.4.3.

In line with schedule 9, this is applicable where a buyer has deemed that Part B: Long Form Security Requirements will apply. This should be agreed to minimise the impact on the delivery of deliverables during the testing period.

This may include security threats to employee or buyer data including data breaches, or security threats to any platform or portal used to deliver any service under this agreement. There is not a definition of security threat or exhaustive list of examples, as an optional schedule buyers will determine if this is necessary for each contract they may have under this agreement. Suppliers must demonstrate how they will ensure customer data and deliverables are kept safe throughout the duration of the contract.

In line with guidance that can be found in the Read First document in the bid pack: 22. You are able to update your responses and Prospectus(es) and/or Pricing Matrix' if applicable by selecting the 'Respond' option which is located on 'Your Dashboard'. CCS will monitor changes to submissions to ensure an effective audit trail. You will remain as an appointed Supplier on the DPS while you complete the update. 23. You will be presented with an overview of your answer sheet, where you are required to select 'Update [insert procurement name] DPSQ' from the 'Options' section on the right hand side of the screen. 24. All your previous answers will be pre-populated and you can navigate through the DPSQ, where you can amend your response(s) as appropriate and re-submit your submission to us. 25. Once you have completed the update answers process, we will contact you by email from info@crowncommercial.gov.uk to confirm approval of the requested change and to advise that your status is in the 'Agreeing' stage. If there is an issue with your proposed change(s) which cannot be rectified within fifteen (15) working days, we will 'reject' your DPS updated submission as an interim measure whilst any necessary further actions are undertaken. Once any issues have been resolved you are then required to complete an electronic sign off within the SRS portal as directed. 26. Following completion of the above, your most recent updated responses will be reflected on the system and your status will revert to 'Appointed'.

Supplier personnel refers to profession. Where a voucher is being supplied please specify in the pricing schedule if this is N/A with commentary for buyer clarity

We would expect for eye care vouchers this to be per buyer order, however please specify which method you are using when completing the table for buyer clarity.

This is an error and should read "costs directly related to the treatment/service provision"

Supplier is to provide their Security Plan in Annex 2 as stated in Schedule 9: the Supplier's security management plan prepared pursuant to this Schedule, a draft of which has been provided by the Supplier to the Buyer and as updated from time to time

DPS Schedule 9 - Security is an optional schedule for the Contracting Authority to use. The security management plan and subsequent timescales are to be agreed between buyer and supplier.

Schedule 6 ICT Services are part of the Terms and Conditions. However, it is for the Contracting Authority to remove any optional schedules that are highlighted in yellow in the order form which Schedule 6 ICT Services is included in, depending on their own requirements.

CCS would make initial contact via the usual point of contact within the supplier organisation to understand the appropriate person and contact details for the relevant person. Any errors or underpayments would need to be reported directly to HMRC, but CCS would also expect to be informed.

Supplier staff will relate to an individual who is employed or engaged in any part of the provision of the deliverables of the contract.

This is acceptable. If VAT is not applicable, this will need to be made clear in your pricing and to buyers

Standard terms and conditions of the Public Sector Contract apply and are not to be changed at DPS level. If a customer agrees to changes at call off stage, that is to be agreed between supplier and buyer.

Supplier staff will relate to an individual who is employed or engaged in any part of the provision of the deliverables of the contract.