This section should provide the participants with a clear indication of the expected timetable for the procurement. This will enable the participant to assess the investment of time they will need to make to complete the bidding process. The timetable should include milestone dates and key periods of work for both participants and the NHSScotland Body. It should also set out the present position of the procurement process including the date of approval of the Initial Agreement (where applicable) and the Outline Business Case.
A suggested list of events which could be included in the timetable is given below:
• return to the NHSScotland Body of responses to the Memorandum of Information and the Prequalification Questionnaire;
• prequalification of participants by the NHSScotland Body;
• issue of the ITPD and dates responses will be due;
• outline dialogue with participants;
• evaluation of interim responses by the NHSScotland Body;
• development of the scheme and negotiations with participants;
• interim evaluation and selection of short-listed participants;
• development of the scheme and negotiations with participants;
• deadline for final bids;
• evaluation of proposals;
• selection of preferred bidder;
• final negotiations;
• submission of Full Business Case;
• approval of Full Business Case;
• financial close;
• start on site;
• commissioning of the new facility;
• delivery of full services to the NHSScotland Body;
• monitoring and evaluation.
The indicative timetable can be taken from the NHSScotland Body's Outline Business Case.