Clarifications
There are 25 clarifications for this DPS
33. The pricing document in the questionnaire doesn't state anywhere for VDU eyecare vouchers (or eyecare vouchers of any kind). Is this correct? We cannot put the relevant prices in this spreadsheet.
"Services that have been included under the DPS rapid award for eyecare are:
DSE Eyesight Tests
Lenses
Prescription Spectacles
Safety Lenses
Prescription Safety Spectacles and Eye Shields
Prescription Polarised Spectacles
Prescription Sunglasses
Prescription Reaction Spectacles
Occupational Lenses
Prescription Lens Inserts
Fitness for Task Eyesight Tests
Colour vision tests
Additional eyecare services
If you are able to offer VDU eyecare vouchers or any other vouchers that aren't listed in any of the prepopulated fields on the prospectuses, please add these in as additional services lines on the most relevant pricing prospectus. We would also recommend adding these to the additional eyecare services prospectus so that customers can easily find this information and it isn't missed depending on the filters they select.
"
Answered
13/01/2025 16:35
31. Please can this question be answered:
The current CCS Framework has a pricing spreadsheet for helpline pricing - where providers provide a per head price for the EAP helpline based on headcount ranges. The CCS DPS does not provide the facility to price for this - which is crucial to EAP service delivery. Please provide an equivalent pricing document OR advise how helpline pricing is to submitted. This is absolutely crucial to enable bidders to proceed. Thank you
Answer has now been submitted.
Answered
13/01/2025 16:34
28. With regards to physiotherapy services, as per line 4.3.192, can we please confirm if subcontractors can be used?
We note that we will be responsible for keeping prices held as per the contract, and for the full management of these subcontractors.
May we also clarify if these rules around subcontractors also apply where this text has been duplicated? E.g. line 4.3.206.
Yes, we can confirm that subcontractors may be used for services under the DPS. Pricing must be readily available and kept up to date at all times
Answered
08/01/2025 08:17
27. The current CCS Framework has a pricing spreadsheet for helpline pricing - where providers provide a per head price for the EAP helpline based on headcount ranges. The CCS DPS does not provide the facility to price for this - which is crucial to EAP service delivery. Please provide an equivalent pricing document OR advise how helpline pricing is to submitted. This is absolutely crucial to enable bidders to proceed.
Thank you
Helpline and telephone services have not been included as applicable under rapid award. Rapid award services that you've highlighted you are able to deliver are the only services to provide pricing for.
Answered
13/01/2025 16:32
26. In relation to DPS Schedule 5 (Management Levy and Information) can you please clarify what the amount of the management levy would be?
The Supplier will pay, excluding VAT, 1 % of all the Charges for the Deliverables invoiced to the Buyer under all Order Contracts.
Answered
10/12/2024 11:53
23. When completing the Generic Prospectus, each text box has a 300 word count limit. However, the system allows us to type over this limit, and when we click Save and View Answers, we can see our full response (over the 300 word limit). Could you please confirm whether the 300 word count limit applies and whether any words over the 300 would be automatically removed in the prospectus viewed by the Buyer? If so, would it be possible to extend the word count, it is not feasible to answer all of the requested items within 300 words.
"We have spoken with NQC who manage the DPS system and they have advised:
The system will display how many words the supplier has left to populate. It will let them continue typing, however they should not exceed the available words, as it will throw up an error message when they attempt to proceed to the next stage. "
Answered
13/01/2025 16:31
22. There are 8 pricing docs as follows: 1. Consultancy and Clinical Supervision; 2. Counselling Services; 3. H&W promotion and awareness; 4. Health Kiosks; 5. Mediation; 6. Professional Support; 7. Therapeutic Intervention; 8. Trauma and CI. Therefore, this does not provide an option to price for 24/7 helpline - which is usually priced on organisation headcount. Please advise.
The prospectus for this DPS was based on the pricing model from the RM6182 framework (this DPS's predecessor)You are permitted to include headcount pricing but this should be detailed in the description, and any other additional details that aren't currently included to support customers and explain your pricing. Customers may then get in touch with you to clarify as part of their desktop evaluation.
Answered
03/12/2024 10:29
21. Re this: 2. When comparing to current CCS Framework pricing doc, the CCS DPS has 8 pricing documents, but do not provide facility for headcount pricing i.e. helpline etc. Please advise Thank you
If a supplier is providing services where an examination may be required, e.g. as part of any assessment, they should provide confirmation of any additional costs this examination may incur, in addition to the costs quoted elsewhere We cannot see the 8 pricing documents that you refer to, please could you provide further information?
There are 8 pricing documents - one for each element so of service delivery e.g. counselling; health kiosks etc, but but do not provide facility for headcount pricing i.e. helpline etc.
Please advise
Thank you
The prospectus for this DPS was based on the pricing model from the RM6182 framework (this DPS's predecessor)You are permitted to include headcount pricing but this should be detailed in the description, and any other additional details that aren't currently included to support customers and explain your pricing. Customers may then get in touch with you to clarify as part of their desktop evaluation.
Answered
03/12/2024 10:28
20. Good morning,
We are outstanding a response to our clarification regarding subcontracting, we received responses on 26/09 however the answer to this particular question was 'TBC'. Please can you provide an update?
The question was:
"In part 1 of the DPSQ, you ask for bidders to complete subcontractor details, however you go on to state within other parts of the questionnaire, for example 4.3.124 'These Services must be delivered by your organisation not via a subcontractor or 3rd party.' Please can you confirm whether subcontractors such as specialists e.g. physiotherapy partners, who would be supplementary to the OH service and needed for their technical ability will be accepted as part of this tender?"
Many thanks
The sections where it states this are those where services are provided via a Rapid Award, and therefore pricing must be immediately available and accurate. Subcontractors are permitted to deliver these services under the DPS. We do however require that pricing is submitted by the supplier, and the responsibility of maintaining up to date pricing will sit with the supplier.
Answered
18/11/2024 14:56
19. Please can you provide a response to our clarification question:
Bidders are asked, in relation to each pricing sheet, if " any associated examination costs are included in the Pricing Schedule document." Please clarify meaning of "examination costs." 2. When comparing to current CCS Framework pricing doc, the CCS DPS has 8 pricing documents, but do not provide facility for headcount pricing i.e. helpline etc. Please advise Thank you
If a supplier is providing services where an examination may be required, e.g. as part of any assessment, they should provide confirmation of any additional costs this examination may incur, in addition to the costs quoted elsewhere
We cannot see the 8 pricing documents that you refer to, please could you provide further information?
Answered
18/11/2024 14:56
18. 1. Bidders are asked, in relation to each pricing sheet, if " any associated examination costs are included in the Pricing Schedule document." Please clarify meaning of "examination costs."
2. When comparing to current CCS Framework pricing doc, the CCS DPS has 8 pricing documents, but do not provide facility for headcount pricing i.e. helpline etc. Please advise
Thank you
If a supplier is providing services where an examination may be required, e.g. as part of any assessment, they should provide confirmation of any additional costs this examination may incur, in addition to the costs quoted elsewhere We cannot see the 8 pricing documents that you refer to, please could you provide further information?
Answered
18/11/2024 14:57
17. Hi Team please can you confirm the closing date for suppliers to apply for a place on the DPS
Best Regards
The closing date for suppliers looking to apply for a place on the DPS will be 27/10/2028.
Answered
05/11/2024 15:31
16. In accordance with our ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) and DPR (Data Protection Register) registration and in compliance with our occupational health role and responsibilities, the manner in which we process, store and use health/special category and personal data, it is not appropriate for us to be Data Processor on any contract where we are responsible for the storage and use of such personal data.
We would ask that both you (Crown Commercial Services as specified in the provided terms and conditions) and the OH Provider retain independent Data Controller status. We would be happy to accept a Data Processor role on the overarching DPS contract should there be no personal information shared.
By both retaining and acting as independent Data Controller we can both fulfil our potential and ensure safety, security and delivery of a quality service conforming to legislative requirements and confidentiality within the guidelines of UKGDPR and Data Protection Act 2018.
Can you confirm that this is acceptable
Provided this does not contradict any schedules or the specification this may be permissable but should be agreed at call off stage with the customer
Answered
21/11/2024 11:18
14. Good afternoon,
Could you kindly clarify if the EAP services included in the DPS will extend to employees working remotely, those posted overseas, and employees travelling abroad? Specifically, we'd appreciate details on how these services will be accessed and any limitations or considerations for international use - many thanks
"Yes, EAP services under the DPS may extend to employees working remotely, those posted overseas, and employees travelling abroad. You can select which of these options you are able to deliver.
Outside of data storage, any other limitations or requirements for international use will be specified by the customer"
Answered
10/10/2024 11:16
13. We refer to page 701 of the attachment "Attachment 5 - RM6296 Occupational Health and Related Services SQ DPSQ PDF" [PDF copy of the SQ]. Could you please elaborate on the "Supplier DPS Agreement Manager", what role would this individual take?
The Supplier DPS Agreement Manager would be the individual responsiblle for or with oversight of the activity the supplier conducts under the DPS, e.g. an account manager or contract manager. This individual would be a point of contact for CCS to engage in SRM etc.
Answered
10/10/2024 11:15
11. Good Morning - can we please clarify if the data controller aspect of the terms and conditions will also apply to further competitions and other awards?
We note that many documents involved in Occupational Health are of a sensitive nature, requiring the supplier to act as document controller
Yes, the terms of conditions of the DPS in all aspects will extend to any contracts undertaken via the DPS.
Answered
10/10/2024 11:15
9. Can we please clarify the nature of the consultancy services required? Can we also please have greater indication of the services required for the "specialist/niche" category?
The rapid award option and prospectuses are included in the DPSQ. If you wish to supply via the rapid award route you would need to fill in the rapid award sections of the DPSQ including filling out the prospectus for each service line you wish to provide.
Answered
10/10/2024 11:15
8. We have applied for this DPS and our application has been approved. We note, however, that you mention a rapid award option and a prospectus for standard off the shelf services (on page 14 of your Supplier Engagement Event presentation on 21/08/24). Can you please tell us more about this - do we need to do anything at this stage? Many thanks.
"The prospectus is only applicable for rapid award services, and this is included in the DPSQ and starts on p128.
If you have filled out the DPSQ there is nothing further for you to do until the point of being appointed. Please ensure you keep all of your information up to date"
Answered
03/10/2024 14:25
7. 1.We refer to point 5.2.6 of the specification document; bullet point 6 states that health surveillance must be carried out by a registered nurse. Would you accept an Occupational Health Technician carrying out these services? Whilst they are not registered nurses, they are trained in health surveillance to the same standard and are competent in Health and Safety at Work Regulations.
2.In part 1 of the DPSQ, you ask for bidders to complete subcontractor details, however you go on to state within other parts of the questionnaire, for example 4.3.124 'These Services must be delivered by your organisation not via a subcontractor or 3rd party.' Please can you confirm whether subcontractors such as specialists e.g. physiotherapy partners, who would be supplementary to the OH service and needed for their technical ability will be accepted as part of this tender?
3.Please can you clarify whether the carbon reduction plan is optional and only mandatory for contracts over £5m in value?
4.Please can you clarify the intended difference between subcontractors and supply chain, in terms?
5.Please can you clarify the restrictions on subcontractors and provide examples of their potential use?
6.Within the DPSQ, you ask for bidders to detail our capacity to deliver the particular service at scale, for example 4.2.8. Please can you clarify what is meant by the maximum number of employees?
1 . We can only accept what has been specified within the specification.
2. TBC
3. This is not optional, however it will be mandatory for contracts of £5m per year and over. If a supplier indicates that they can deliver contracts of that value, it won't be optional and a carbon reduction plan must be supplied.
4. Subcontractors - will be a specific individual or organisation providing a service
Supply chain - a network of people or organisations/processes delivering the service, where a subcontractor is one individual or organisation within that supply chain
5. Please refer to the DPS needs document (Bid Pack part 1 - RM6296 READ FIRST RM6296-DPS Needs v1.0) to find out more about key subcontractors and their use under the DPS. Suppliers must ensure that all subcontractors comply with the rules of the DPS as set out in the bid pack. Subcontractor potential use e.g. a supplier offering education and awareness programmes may subcontract to an education provider.
6. What size of organisation would be the largest you could deliver the fully managed service to by number of employees they have, e.g. could you deliver to a department of 5,000 employees, 10,000 employees etc. What scale are you able to deliver on.
Answered
26/09/2024 09:27
6. 1. Does the new CCS DPS superseed the CCS Framework? If so, when?
Thank you
The DPS will replace the existing framework RM6182 following the framework expiry date of 22/03/2025. Until this date they will run concurrently.
Answered
26/09/2024 09:24
