Fuel Pump Maintenance & Software

Description

Merridale fuel pumps are installed across NHSBT sites and are used to transfer fuel from bulk fuel tanks into all centre-based fleet and transport vehicles.<br/>In 2016 Merridale Limited was awarded a 3-year contract for Fuel Pump Maintenance. The contract has since been extended via two further waivers and is due to expire on 29th February 2024.<br/>There are currently 10 fuel pumps in use across NHSBT for which annual maintenance and extended warranties are in place. The extended warranties are renewed annually. The total cost is approx. £15,500 per annum including VAT and includes annual inspection and calibration visits and Fuelworks software licence/hosting.<br/>The lifespan of Merridale pumps is 10+ years. Some of NHSBT’s fuel pumps are over 20 years old and are still in good condition. In 2021 Merridale modified and upgraded the pumps in line with the ATEX regulations.<br/>The FuelWorks web-based reporting software hosted by Merridale Ltd is used by NHSBT, providing on-the spot, accurate data to monitor fuel usage, efficiency, stock, evaluating emissions and predict restocking requirements. Management information regarding Liveried fuel card and carbon emission data is also linked to the software. As the software is unique to Merridale it cannot be hosted by any other supplier.<br/><br/>As original equipment manufacturer of the pumps, Merridale are the only supplier to be able to maintain and provide spare parts for the fuel pumps. The FuelWorks software is unique to Merridale and cannot be hosted by any other supplier.<br/><br/>As per the recent update The Government's proposed ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has been pushed back to 2035. We are estimating to still run our existing vehicles until 2042 and the NHSBT fleet will transition to electric vehicles before 2042. Extending the annual warranty of the existing fuel pumps will therefore need to continue. It is unlikely that fuel pumps will be replaced unless they reach end of life or a new NHSBT opens a new site. As per the discussion with stakeholder the procurement of any new pumps is not planned for next five years.<br/><br/>Merridale are not on any public sector framework agreements. As the choice of potential suppliers is restricted and with the move to electrification of vehicles, the proposal is to award a contract without any form of tender process. Lot 1: the absence of technical alternatives stems from the specialised compatibility, safety considerations, warranty implications, system integration, and regulatory compliance associated with the OEM software required for our fuel pumps' operation. This technical dependence on OEM software serves as a valid justification under Regulation 32(b) of the PCR2015 for the direct awarding of contracts related to these pumps without competition.<br/><br/>This is an outsource service and maintenance contract. The supplier is the original equipment manufacturer for all NHSBT centre fuel pumps.