Vantaa Awards €1.8 Million School Photography Concession to Multiple Finnish Photographers
18 Aug 2026
The City of Vantaa has awarded a €1.8 million school photography concession to multiple Finnish photography companies across eight geographic lots. The winners include Markus Bergman Oy, Kuvamuisto Oy, Foto-Panda, Studio Saraste Oy, Foto Airaksinen Oy, L. Nyblin Oy, KK-KUVA OY, Kuvahaka Oy, and Oma Design Oy. The two-year concession covers photography services for approximately 34,000 students. Introduction School photography is a cherished tradition in Finland, capturing memories of students from preschool to upper secondary school. The City of Vantaa, with approximately 34,000 students across its schools, has awarded a concession for school photography services to multiple professional photographers. The concession, valued at €1.8 million, is divided into eight geographic lots covering Vantaa's districts. Each lot has been awarded to two photographers, ensuring choice and competition. The winners are all Finnish micro-enterprises, demonstrating strong local SME participation. This procurement ensures that Vantaa's students and families have access to high-quality school photography services. Why This Contract Matters School photography is an important service for families, capturing memories of students' school years. This concession ensures that Vantaa's schools have access to professional photography services. This contract matters because it: Serves 34,000 students: Covers all Vantaa schools Supports local photographers: All winners are Finnish micro-enterprises Significant value: €1.8 million concession Broad coverage: Eight geographic lots across Vantaa Long-term: 2 years + 2-year options Quality and price balance: 60:40 price:quality weighting Strong competition: 25-29 bids per lot Fair working conditions: Strategic procurement includes fair working conditions Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 18 August 2026 (OJ S 158/2026) Previous notice referenced: f1131c18-506f-4adc-9587-df78a63671a8-01 Contract concluded: 14-16 July 2026 Coverage start date: Not specified Coverage end date: 2 years + 2 x 1-year options (max 4 years) Contract Overview The City of Vantaa conducted an open procedure for this concession. The contract covers school photography services across eight geographic lots. Key features include: Eight lots: Vantaa's districts (Aviapolis, Hakunila, Kivistö, Koivukylä, Korso, Myyrmäki, Tikkurila, Swedish-language units) Total value: €1,800,000 Duration: 2 years + 2 x 1-year options (max 4 years) Evaluation: Price (60%) and Quality (40%) Concession type: Service concession Winners: 9 Finnish micro-enterprises Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority Vantaan kaupunki (City of Vantaa) Winning bidders 9 Finnish micro-enterprises (see full list below) Contract subject School photography services (CPV 79961000) Procedure type Open procedure (concession) Legal basis EU Directive 2014/23/EU Total estimated value (EUR) €1,800,000.00 Number of lots 8 Contract duration 2 years + 2 x 1-year options (max 4 years) Bids received 25-29 per lot EU funding None Evaluation criteria Price (60%), Quality (40%) All winners Micro-enterprises (SMEs) Strategic procurement Circular economy, fair working conditions Project Scope The concession covers school photography services for Vantaa's approximately 34,000 students (25,000 basic education, 9,000 secondary education) across eight lots: Lot 1: Aviapolis District Winners: Markus Bergman Oy, Kuvamuisto Oy Values: €180,000 / €45,000 Lot 2: Hakunila District Winners: Foto-Panda, Studio Saraste Oy Values: €180,000 / €45,000 Lot 3: Kivistö District Winners: Foto Airaksinen Oy, L. Nyblin Oy Values: €45,000 / €180,000 Lot 4: Koivukylä District Winners: Foto Airaksinen Oy, Studio Saraste Oy Values: €180,000 / €45,000 Lot 5: Korso District Winners: Kuvamuisto Oy, L. Nyblin Oy Values: €180,000 / €45,000 Lot 6: Myyrmäki District Winners: Markus Bergman Oy, Studio Saraste Oy Values: €45,000 / €180,000 Lot 7: Tikkurila District Winners: KK-KUVA OY, Kuvahaka Oy Values: €45,000 / €180,000 Lot 8: Swedish-language Units Winners: Oma Design Oy, KK-KUVA OY Values: €180,000 / €45,000 About the Contracting Authority Vantaan kaupunki (City of Vantaa) is a Finnish city in the Helsinki metropolitan area, with approximately 34,000 students across its basic and secondary education schools. The city is responsible for organising education and other public services for its residents. About the Winning Companies Nine Finnish micro-enterprises have been awarded the concession: Markus Bergman Oy – Helsinki-based photography company (Lots 1, 6) Kuvamuisto Oy – Helsinki-based photography company (Lots 1, 5) Foto-Panda – Helsinki-based photography company (Lot 2) Studio Saraste Oy – Rovaniemi-based photography company (Lots 2, 4, 6) Foto Airaksinen Oy – Vaasa-based photography company (Lots 3, 4) L. Nyblin Oy – Pori-based photography company (Lots 3, 5) KK-KUVA OY – Joensuu-based photography company (Lots 7, 8) Kuvahaka Oy – Helsinki-based photography company (Lot 7) Oma Design Oy – Helsinki-based photography company (Lot 8) Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure was used for this service concession. Competition: Very strong competition with 25-29 bids per lot. Evaluation criteria: Price (60%) and Quality (40%). The balanced weighting values both cost and quality. SME participation: All winners are micro-enterprises, demonstrating strong SME participation. Geographic split: Eight lots covering Vantaa's districts and Swedish-language units. Multiple suppliers: Two photographers per lot for choice and competition. Strategic procurement: Includes circular economy and fair working conditions. Additional Procurement Facts The contract is a service concession under EU Directive 2014/23/EU. No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. No framework agreement was used. 25-29 bids per lot. All winners are Finnish micro-enterprises. Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. Strategic procurement: Circular economy and fair working conditions. Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish school photography market is characterised by many small, specialised photography companies. The market is competitive, with local and regional photographers competing for school contracts. Key trends in this market include: SME dominance: The market is dominated by micro and small enterprises Local presence: Photographers often serve specific regions Quality focus: Photo quality and service are key differentiators Concession model: Schools often use concession agreements Digital services: Online ordering and digital delivery are increasingly important Economic Significance At €1.8 million, this concession represents a significant opportunity for Finnish photography companies. The contract supports: Local businesses: All winners are Finnish micro-enterprises Regional employment: Supports photography jobs across Finland Student memories: Provides school photography services for 34,000 students SME growth: Supports small businesses Future Procurement Opportunities With the concession now in place, future opportunities include: Contract extensions: Up to 2 x 1-year options Re-tender: The concession will be re-tendered after 2-4 years Other Finnish cities: Similar school photography concessions Related services: Yearbook photography, event photography Opportunities for Suppliers While this concession is awarded, future opportunities exist for photography companies: Other Finnish cities: Similar school photography concessions Subcontracting: Suppliers may find subcontracting opportunities Re-tender: The concession will be re-tendered after 2-4 years Related services: Yearbook, event, and portrait photography What Businesses Should Watch Other Finnish cities' school photography concessions Changes to Finnish education procurement regulations Digital photography and online ordering trends Sustainability requirements in procurement Fair working conditions requirements FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence This school photography concession is a significant procurement for Vantaa's schools. Several features stand out: Scale: €1.8 million across eight lots SME success: All winners are micro-enterprises Strong competition: 25-29 bids per lot Geographic coverage: All Vantaa districts and Swedish-language units Strategic procurement: Circular economy and fair working conditions For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 60% of evaluation Quality: Quality accounts for 40% of evaluation SME credentials: Micro-enterprises can compete effectively Local presence: Being established in the region is an advantage Supplier Takeaways Offer competitive pricing—60% of evaluation is price-based Demonstrate quality—40% of evaluation is quality-based Develop local presence in target regions Monitor other Finnish cities for similar school photography concessions Ensure compliance with fair working conditions requirements Consider digital and online service offerings Key Takeaways City of Vantaa awarded a €1.8 million school photography concession to 9 Finnish photographers 8 lots covering all Vantaa districts and Swedish-language units Winners: Markus Bergman, Kuvamuisto, Foto-Panda, Studio Saraste, Foto Airaksinen, L. Nyblin, KK-KUVA, Kuvahaka, Oma Design 2 photographers per lot Evaluation: Price (60%), Quality (40%) 25-29 bids per lot All winners are micro-enterprises Duration: 2 years + 2 x 1-year options Conclusion This school photography concession represents a significant opportunity for Finnish photography companies. By awarding eight lots to nine micro-enterprises, the City of Vantaa ensures that its 34,000 students have access to high-quality school photography services while supporting local businesses. The strong competition (25-29 bids per lot) demonstrates the attractiveness of school photography concessions to Finnish photographers. The 60:40 price:quality evaluation ensures that both cost and quality are valued. As schools across Finland continue to procure photography services, similar opportunities will arise for photography companies with competitive pricing and quality offerings. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is the City of Vantaa? Ans: A Finnish city in the Helsinki metropolitan area with approximately 34,000 students across its schools. Q: What is the value of the concession? Ans: €1,800,000 across all eight lots. Q: Who are the winners? Ans: 9 Finnish micro-enterprises including Markus Bergman, Kuvamuisto, Foto-Panda, Studio Saraste, Foto Airaksinen, L. Nyblin, KK-KUVA, Kuvahaka, and Oma Design. Q: What are the lots? Ans: Eight lots covering Vantaa's districts (Aviapolis, Hakunila, Kivistö, Koivukylä, Korso, Myyrmäki, Tikkurila) and Swedish-language units. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Price (60%) and Quality (40%). Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 2 years with 2 x 1-year options (max 4 years). Q: How many bids were received? Ans: 25-29 bids per lot. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 571658-2026, OJ S 158/2026, published 18 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
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Tampere Water Awards €1.35 Million Remote-Read Water Meter Framework
17 Aug 2026
Tampereen Vesi Oy has awarded a €1.35 million framework agreement for NB-IoT remote-read water meters to multiple suppliers including Landis Gyr, Onninen, Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko, and Saint-Gobain. The seven-lot framework covers approximately 13,500 water meters across DN20 to DN150 sizes for Tampere's water network. Introduction Modern water utilities require accurate, reliable, and efficient metering solutions. Remote-read water meters enable automated consumption reading, leak detection, and network management. Tampereen Vesi Oy, the water utility for Tampere, has invested in NB-IoT remote-read water meters to modernise its metering infrastructure. The framework, valued at €1.35 million, covers approximately 13,500 remote-read water meters across seven sizes (DN20 to DN150). Multiple suppliers have been appointed, including Landis Gyr, Onninen, Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko, and Saint-Gobain. The framework runs until December 2027. This procurement ensures that Tampere's water network is equipped with modern, IoT-enabled metering technology for accurate billing and network management. Why This Contract Matters Remote-read water meters are essential for accurate consumption measurement, leak detection, and efficient network management. This investment modernises Tampere's water metering infrastructure. This contract matters because it: Modernises metering: NB-IoT remote-read technology replaces manual reading Covers all sizes: DN20 to DN150 for residential and commercial applications Significant value: €1.35 million framework Multiple suppliers: 3 suppliers per lot for supply security Quality and price balance: 70:30 price:quality weighting Strategic procurement: Circular economy and human rights due diligence Finnish and international: Finnish, Dutch, and other European suppliers Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 17 August 2026 (OJ S 157/2026) Previous notice referenced: c3b2b515-bb27-4b9a-adcd-84bb31e83de1-01 Winner chosen: 29 June 2026 Contract concluded: 6 July 2026 Coverage start date: Not specified Coverage end date: 31 December 2027 Contract Overview Tuomi Logistiikka Oy conducted this procurement on behalf of Tampereen Vesi Oy. The framework covers the supply of NB-IoT remote-read water meters across seven lots. Key features include: Seven lots: DN20, DN25, DN40, DN50, DN80, DN100, DN150 Total value: €1,350,000 Quantity: Approximately 13,500 meters Duration: Until 31 December 2027 Evaluation: Price (70%) and Quality (30%) Framework type: With reopening of competition Suppliers per lot: Up to 3 per lot Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority Tampereen Vesi Oy (via Tuomi Logistiikka Oy) Winning suppliers Landis Gyr, Onninen, Saint-Gobain, Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko Contract subject NB-IoT remote-read water meters (CPV 38421100) Procedure type Open procedure (Sector Directive) Legal basis EU Directive 2014/25/EU Total estimated value (EUR) €1,350,000.00 Number of meters Approx. 13,500 Contract duration Until 31 December 2027 Bids received 3-8 per lot EU funding None Covered by GPA Yes Evaluation criteria Price (70%), Quality (30%) Strategic procurement Circular economy, human rights due diligence Project Scope The framework covers NB-IoT remote-read water meters across seven sizes for Tampere's water network: Lot 1: DN20 (Landis Gyr, Onninen, Saint-Gobain) Value: €192,857.16 Bids: 8 Lot 2: DN25 (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 7 Lot 3: DN40 (Netquori, Onninen, Kaiko) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 7 Lot 4: DN50 (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Onninen) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 7 Lot 5: DN80 (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 7 Lot 6: DN100 (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Onninen) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 7 Lot 7: DN150 (Pumppulohja, Kaiko, Saint-Gobain) Value: €192,857.14 Bids: 3 About the Contracting Authority Tampereen Vesi Oy is the municipal water utility for the city of Tampere, Finland. The company is responsible for providing water supply and sewerage services to the Tampere region. Tampereen Vesi operates a water distribution network serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers. About the Winning Companies Six suppliers have been appointed across the seven lots: Landis Gyr Oy – Large Finnish company, part of global Landis Gyr (Lot 1) Onninen Oy – Large Finnish technical wholesale and solutions company (Lots 1, 3, 4, 6) Saint-Gobain Finland Oy PAM – SME Finnish subsidiary of Saint-Gobain (Lots 1, 7) OY PUMPPULOHJA AB – SME Finnish water technology company (Lots 2, 4, 5, 6, 7) Netquori B.V. – SME Dutch water meter company (Lots 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) Kaiko Oy – SME Finnish water technology company (Lots 2, 3, 5, 7) Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure under the EU Sector Directive was used, applying to water-related activities. Competition: Competition was strong, with 3-8 bids per lot. Lot 1 attracted the most bids (8). Evaluation criteria: Price (70%) and Quality (30%). The quality criteria include remote update capability (8 points), battery life, data retention, measurement accuracy, alarms, and warranty. Multiple suppliers: Each lot has 3 suppliers, providing supply security and competition. International participation: A Dutch supplier (Netquori) won several lots alongside Finnish companies. SME participation: Several SME winners (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko, Saint-Gobain Finland). Strategic procurement: Includes circular economy and human rights due diligence. Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. Framework agreements with reopening of competition were used. 3-8 bids per lot. Winners include both large companies and SMEs. No subcontracting was declared by any winner. Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. Technology: NB-IoT remote-read water meters. Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish water meter market is competitive, with a mix of large international groups (Landis Gyr, Saint-Gobain) and specialised Finnish and European suppliers (Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko). The adoption of NB-IoT technology is driving market growth. Key trends in this market include: NB-IoT adoption: Increasing use of NB-IoT for remote metering Smart metering: Growing demand for intelligent water meters ESG focus: Circular economy and human rights due diligence SME participation: SMEs compete effectively with larger companies Multiple suppliers: Utilities prefer multiple suppliers for security Economic Significance At €1.35 million, this framework represents a significant investment in Tampere's water infrastructure. The contract ensures: Accurate billing: Automated, accurate consumption measurement Network management: Leak detection and network monitoring Operational efficiency: Reduced manual reading costs Customer service: Improved consumption data for customers Future Procurement Opportunities With the framework now in place, future opportunities include: Call-offs: Individual orders under the framework Re-tender: The framework will be re-tendered after 2027 Other Finnish utilities: Similar procurements by other water utilities Technology upgrades: Future IoT and smart meter technologies Opportunities for Suppliers While this framework is awarded, future opportunities exist for water meter suppliers: Call-offs: Individual orders under the framework Other Finnish utilities: Similar procurements by other water utilities Technology upgrades: Future NB-IoT and smart meter technologies Subcontracting: Suppliers may find subcontracting opportunities What Businesses Should Watch Other Finnish water utilities' procurement notices NB-IoT and smart meter technology developments Circular economy and human rights due diligence requirements Changes to Finnish water sector regulations EU water and sustainability directives FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence This water meter framework is a significant procurement for Tampere's water network. Several features stand out: Scale: €1.35 million for 13,500 meters across seven sizes Quality focus: 30% quality weighting with detailed technical criteria Multiple suppliers: 3 suppliers per lot for security International participation: Dutch and Finnish suppliers SME success: Several SME winners Strategic procurement: Circular economy and human rights due diligence For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Competitive pricing: Price accounts for 70% of evaluation Quality features: Remote update capability, battery life, warranty, and alarms NB-IoT technology: Offering NB-IoT-enabled meters ESG compliance: Circular economy and human rights due diligence Supplier Takeaways Offer competitive pricing—70% of evaluation is price-based Demonstrate quality features—30% of evaluation is quality-based Offer NB-IoT-enabled remote-read meters Ensure ESG compliance (circular economy, human rights) Monitor other Finnish water utilities for similar opportunities Build relationships with Finnish water sector buyers Key Takeaways Tampere Water awarded a €1.35 million remote-read water meter framework 7 lots covering DN20 to DN150 sizes Winners: Landis Gyr, Onninen, Saint-Gobain, Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko 3 suppliers per lot Evaluation: Price (70%), Quality (30%) 3-8 bids per lot Approx. 13,500 meters Duration: until 31 December 2027 Conclusion This remote-read water meter framework represents a significant investment in Tampere's water infrastructure. By appointing multiple suppliers across seven meter sizes, Tampereen Vesi ensures a reliable supply of modern NB-IoT-enabled water meters for its network. The 70:30 price:quality evaluation reflects the importance of both cost and technical performance. The detailed quality criteria—including remote update capability, battery life, warranty, and alarms—ensure that the meters meet the utility's technical requirements. As Finnish water utilities continue to modernise their infrastructure, similar procurements will provide opportunities for water meter suppliers with strong NB-IoT technology and ESG credentials. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Tampereen Vesi Oy? Ans: The municipal water utility for Tampere, Finland, responsible for water supply and sewerage services. Q: What is the value of the framework? Ans: €1,350,000. Q: How many meters are being procured? Ans: Approximately 13,500 remote-read water meters. Q: What are the meter sizes? Ans: DN20, DN25, DN40, DN50, DN80, DN100, DN150. Q: Who are the winners? Ans: Landis Gyr, Onninen, Saint-Gobain, Pumppulohja, Netquori, Kaiko. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Price (70%) and Quality (30%). Q: How long is the contract? Ans: Until 31 December 2027. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 568486-2026, OJ S 157/2026, published 17 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
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Pohde Awards €2 Million Surgical Gown Framework to Multiple Finnish Suppliers
14 Aug 2026
Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (Pohde) has awarded a €2 million framework for surgical gowns to Mediplast Fenno Oy, OneMed Oy, Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, and Vingmed Oy. The three-year contract covers reinforced, non-reinforced, and HIPEC surgical gowns across five lots for Pohde and its partner wellbeing services counties. Introduction Surgical gowns are essential personal protective equipment for operating theatre staff, ensuring safety and hygiene during surgical procedures. Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (Pohde) has established a framework for surgical gowns to serve its hospitals and those of its partner wellbeing services counties. The framework, valued at €2 million, covers five lots for reinforced and non-reinforced surgical gowns, including special sizes and HIPEC gowns. The contracts have been awarded to Mediplast Fenno Oy, OneMed Oy, Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, and Vingmed Oy. This procurement ensures that hospitals in Northern Finland have access to high-quality surgical gowns for a wide range of procedures. Why This Contract Matters Surgical gowns are critical for patient and staff safety during operations. This framework ensures that hospitals in Northern Finland have reliable access to a variety of surgical gown types. This contract matters because it: Supports surgical safety: Provides essential PPE for operating theatre staff Covers multiple regions: Serves Pohde, Lapland, Kainuu, and Central Ostrobothnia Significant value: €2 million framework Multiple product types: Reinforced, non-reinforced, and HIPEC gowns Price-focused: Price-only evaluation (100%) Finnish suppliers: All winners are Finnish companies SME participation: Small and medium enterprises among winners Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains Contract Timeline Contract award notice published: 14 August 2026 (OJ S 156/2026) Previous notice referenced: cd39b1ce-5e91-4297-af20-51a291ca7794-01 Contract concluded: 6-12 August 2026 Coverage start date: 13 August 2026 Coverage end date: 12 August 2029 (with two 1-year options) Contract Overview Pohde conducted an open procedure for this procurement. The framework covers surgical gowns across five lots, serving Pohde and its partner wellbeing services counties (Lapland, Kainuu, and Central Ostrobothnia). Key features include: Five lots: Reinforced gowns, non-reinforced gowns, HIPEC gowns, reinforced special sizes, non-reinforced special sizes Total value: €2,000,000 Duration: 3 years + 2 x 1-year options (max 5 years) Evaluation: Price only (100%) Winners: Mediplast Fenno, OneMed, Mölnlycke Health Care, Vingmed Buyer group: Pohde, Lapland, Kainuu, Central Ostrobothnia wellbeing services counties Key Contract Details Detail Information Contracting authority Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (Pohde) Participating buyers Pohde, Lapin hyvinvointialue, Kainuun hyvinvointialue, Keski-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue Winning bidders Mediplast Fenno Oy, OneMed Oy, Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, Vingmed Oy Contract subject Surgical gowns (CPV 33000000) Procedure type Open procedure Legal basis EU Directive 2014/24/EU Total awarded value (EUR) €2,000,000.00 Lot 1 value (Mediplast Fenno) €333,333.33 Lot 1 value (OneMed) €333,333.33 Lot 2 value (OneMed) €333,333.33 Lot 2 value (Mölnlycke) €333,333.33 Lot 3 value (Vingmed) €666,666.66 Lot 4 outcome Not awarded (bids inadmissible) Lot 5 outcome Not awarded (bids inadmissible) Contract duration 3 years + 2 x 1-year options Bids received 2-8 per lot EU funding None Covered by GPA Yes Evaluation criteria Price only (100%) Strategic procurement Human rights due diligence in global supply chains Project Scope The framework covers surgical gowns across five lots for Pohde and its partner wellbeing services counties. Lot 1: Reinforced Surgical Gowns Description: Reinforced surgical gowns for standard surgical procedures Winners: Mediplast Fenno Oy, OneMed Oy Value: €333,333.33 each (total €666,666.66) Bids received: 8 Lot 2: Non-Reinforced Surgical Gowns Description: Non-reinforced surgical gowns for less demanding procedures Winners: OneMed Oy, Mölnlycke Health Care Oy Value: €333,333.33 each (total €666,666.66) Bids received: 8 Lot 3: HIPEC Surgical Gowns Description: Specially reinforced gowns for HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedures Winner: Vingmed Oy Value: €666,666.66 Bids received: 2 Lot 4: Reinforced Surgical Gowns – Special Sizes Description: Reinforced surgical gowns in special sizes Outcome: Not awarded (bids inadmissible) Bids received: 2 Lot 5: Non-Reinforced Surgical Gowns – Special Sizes Description: Non-reinforced surgical gowns in special sizes Outcome: Not awarded (bids inadmissible) Bids received: 2 About the Contracting Authority Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue (Pohde) is the wellbeing services county for North Ostrobothnia in Finland. Pohde is responsible for organising public health, social welfare, and rescue services in the region. This procurement was conducted on behalf of Pohde and its partner wellbeing services counties: Lapland, Kainuu, and Central Ostrobothnia. About the Winning Companies Mediplast Fenno Oy (Lot 1) Mediplast Fenno Oy is a small Finnish company based in Vantaa, specialising in medical supplies and equipment. The company won Lot 1 (Reinforced gowns) with a value of €333,333.33. OneMed Oy (Lots 1 and 2) OneMed Oy is a medium-sized Finnish medical supply company based in Helsinki. The company won both Lot 1 (Reinforced gowns) and Lot 2 (Non-reinforced gowns), with a combined value of €666,666.66. Mölnlycke Health Care Oy (Lot 2) Mölnlycke Health Care Oy is a large Finnish subsidiary of the Swedish Mölnlycke Health Care group, a global leader in surgical and wound care products. The company won Lot 2 (Non-reinforced gowns) with a value of €333,333.33. Vingmed Oy (Lot 3) Vingmed Oy is a small Finnish company based in Espoo, specialising in medical supplies. The company won Lot 3 (HIPEC gowns) with a value of €666,666.66. Procurement Analysis Procedure: An open procedure was used, allowing any interested economic operator to submit a tender. Competition: Competition varied by lot, with 2-8 bids received. Lots 1 and 2 attracted the most bids (8 each). Evaluation criteria: Price only (100%). The buyer selected suppliers based solely on price, with quality assured through mandatory requirements. Multiple suppliers: Most lots were awarded to multiple suppliers, providing flexibility and supply security. Special size lots: Lots 4 and 5 were not awarded as all bids were inadmissible. SME participation: Three of four winners are SMEs (Mediplast Fenno, OneMed, Vingmed). Finnish suppliers: All winners are Finnish companies. Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence in global supply chains is a social objective. Additional Procurement Facts The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA). No EU funds were used for this procurement. The procurement was not accelerated. No dynamic purchasing system was used. No framework agreement was used—this is a direct supply contract. Bids received: 2-8 per lot. All bids were submitted electronically. No subcontracting was declared by any winner. Disputes or review requests fall to the Markkinaoikeus (Market Court) in Finland. Lots 4 and 5 were not awarded due to inadmissible bids. Market & Industry Perspective The Finnish medical supplies market is competitive, with a mix of large international groups (Mölnlycke) and smaller domestic suppliers (Mediplast, OneMed, Vingmed). Surgical gown procurement often favours price competition, with quality assured through regulatory standards. Key trends in this market include: Price competition: Price-only evaluation is common for standardised medical supplies Supply security: Multiple suppliers per lot ensure reliable supply SME participation: SMEs compete effectively with larger companies Human rights due diligence: Increasing focus on supply chain responsibility Product specialisation: HIPEC gowns require specialist products Economic Significance At €2 million, this framework represents a significant procurement for surgical gowns in Northern Finland. The contract ensures: Surgical safety: Essential PPE for operating theatres Supply security: Multiple suppliers across product types Regional coverage: Serves four wellbeing services counties SME support: Three SME winners benefit Future Procurement Opportunities With the framework now in place, future opportunities include: Contract extensions: Up to 2 x 1-year options Re-tender: The framework will be re-tendered after 3-5 years Special sizes: Lots 4 and 5 may be re-tendered Other Finnish wellbeing services counties: Similar procurements by other regions Opportunities for Suppliers While this framework is awarded, future opportunities exist for medical supply companies: Special sizes: Lots 4 and 5 may be re-tendered Other regions: Similar procurements by other Finnish wellbeing services counties Subcontracting: Suppliers may find subcontracting opportunities Related products: Other surgical and medical supplies What Businesses Should Watch Re-tendering of Lots 4 and 5 (special sizes) Similar surgical gown procurements by other Finnish wellbeing services counties Changes to medical supply regulations Human rights due diligence requirements in supply chains Emerging surgical gown technologies FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence This surgical gown framework is a significant procurement for Northern Finland's healthcare sector. Several features stand out: Scale: €2 million across five lots Price focus: Price-only evaluation (100%) Multiple suppliers: Flexibility and supply security SME participation: Three SME winners Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of: Competitive pricing: Price is the sole criterion (100%) Product compliance: Meeting mandatory quality and regulatory requirements Supply reliability: Ensuring reliable delivery to hospitals Human rights compliance: Demonstrating due diligence in supply chains Supplier Takeaways Offer competitive pricing—price is the sole criterion (100%) Ensure product compliance with mandatory quality standards Demonstrate reliable supply capabilities Address human rights due diligence requirements Monitor other Finnish wellbeing services counties for similar opportunities Consider bidding for special sizes if re-tendered Key Takeaways Pohde awarded a €2 million surgical gown framework to four Finnish suppliers Winners: Mediplast Fenno (Lot 1), OneMed (Lots 1 & 2), Mölnlycke (Lot 2), Vingmed (Lot 3) Lots 4 and 5 (special sizes) not awarded Evaluation: Price only (100%) 2-8 bids per lot Duration: 3 years + 2 x 1-year options 3 of 4 winners are SMEs Strategic procurement: Human rights due diligence Conclusion This surgical gown framework represents a significant procurement for healthcare in Northern Finland. By awarding contracts across multiple lots to four Finnish suppliers—Mediplast Fenno, OneMed, Mölnlycke Health Care, and Vingmed—Pohde ensures that hospitals in North Ostrobothnia, Lapland, Kainuu, and Central Ostrobothnia have access to a reliable supply of surgical gowns. The price-only evaluation (100%) reflects the standardised nature of surgical gown products, where quality is assured through regulatory standards. The multiple supplier approach per lot provides flexibility and supply security. As healthcare procurement continues to evolve, the inclusion of human rights due diligence in global supply chains reflects the growing importance of ethical procurement practices. Frequently Asked Questions Q: What is Pohde? Ans: Pohjois-Pohjanmaan hyvinvointialue, the wellbeing services county for North Ostrobothnia, Finland. Q: What is the value of the framework? Ans: €2,000,000. Q: Who are the winners? Ans: Mediplast Fenno Oy, OneMed Oy, Mölnlycke Health Care Oy, and Vingmed Oy. Q: What products are covered? Ans: Reinforced surgical gowns, non-reinforced surgical gowns, HIPEC gowns, and special sizes. Q: What were the evaluation criteria? Ans: Price only (100%). Q: How long is the contract? Ans: 3 years with two 1-year options (up to 5 years). Q: Why were Lots 4 and 5 not awarded? Ans: All bids were inadmissible. Q: Is this contract funded by the EU? Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds. Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 564429-2026, OJ S 156/2026, published 14 August 2026. body { font-family: sans-serif; margin: 20px; } table { border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%; margin: 15px 0; } th, td { border: 1px solid #ddd; padding: 8px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; } th { background-color: #f2f2f2; } ul { padding-left: 20px; } h2 { margin-top: 30px; } h3 { margin-top: 20px; }
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