The NHS has finalised a range of Framework Contracts through open competition to provide additional capacity and capability in the supply of IT services to the NHS.

These contracts are not intended to replace the contracts already let for the National Programme for IT. They will supplement the existing supply capacity and enable new requirements to be met through a readily available approved Framework. This will mitigate the risks of existing suppliers being unable to meet contractual commitments.

The procurement of the Framework Contracts for Additional Supply Capability and Capacity (ASCC) was initiated with the publication of an OJEU Notice in March 2007. The Frameworks will enable the streamlined procurement of IT systems and services from suppliers who have demonstrated experience in the health sector and can be used to support both National Programme for IT (NPfIT) related work and wider IT related projects.

The Framework Contracts have been divided into business 'Lots' as follows:

Lot 1 - Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Services

Supporting the delivery of existing non- clinical systems or provide new non- clinical systems and services as business requirements emerge.

Lot 2 - Clinical Information Technology (CIT) Services

Supporting the delivery of existing clinical IT systems and/or providing new clinical IT systems and services as business requirements emerge.

Lot 3 - Hardware, Infrastructure and Associated (HIA) Services

Provision of a broad range of HIA technology goods and services and, additionally, specialist consultancy services aligned to other ASCC services.

Lot 4 - Testing Environments and Related Services (TERS)

Provision of testing environments and associated facilities.

Contracts were signed with 38 suppliers for ASCC Lots 1,3 and 4 in January 2008.

Contracts have now been signed with 61 suppliers to the final ASCC Lot – Lot 2.

To achieve the broad scope required, each Lot has been subdivided into a number of service categories. To accommodate the specialist providers of IT health services, each service category has been sub-divided into national and specialist provider categories.

NHS Users may obtain further information about use of the Frameworks at http://nww.connectingforhealth.nhs.uk/ascc (N3 connection required)