AGH Solutions Limited, is a wholly owned subsidiary of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust and the contracting entity for this requirement. AGH Solutions Ltd requires the urgent replacement of compressors within the Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) serving the modular Intensive Care Unit (ICU) facility. The ASHPs provide critical heating and environmental support to accommodation occupied by critically ill patients. The modular ICU facility and its Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs) were commissioned approximately five years ago and should not yet have reached the end of their expected operational life. However, a specialist engineering assessment has confirmed significant compressor failures requiring replacement to maintain system resilience and functionality. The premature failure of these components is currently being investigated with the original building constructor and associated parties to establish the underlying cause and determine any contractual or warranty implications. Notwithstanding these ongoing discussions, the Trust must take immediate action to ensure continuity of critical care services and cannot delay replacement whilst liability and remedial responsibilities are being determined. Replacement compressors are subject to an estimated lead time of 8-10 weeks. Any delay in placing an order would materially increase the risk of component failure during the winter period, potentially affecting the environmental resilience of accommodation used to support critically ill patients. Total amount: £133,759.00 excluding VAT

Procurement Act 2023

Direct award The proposed direct award is made pursuant to Section 41 of the Procurement Act 2023 and the urgency justification contained within Schedule 5. The Trust considers that: There is an immediate and substantial risk to the continuity of critical healthcare services should the compressors fail before replacement. The ASHPs support an operational ICU environment occupied by critically ill patients and are therefore directly linked to patient safety and service continuity. The lead time associated with obtaining replacement compressors means that any delay in procurement would materially increase operational risk. The urgency of the requirement cannot reasonably be accommodated within the timescales required to undertake and complete a competitive tendering procedure. The circumstances necessitating the procurement were identified through specialist technical assessment and require immediate action to protect continuity of service. The direct award is limited strictly to the scope necessary to address the immediate risk and ensure continued operation of the ICU facility.