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Request for Information - Oligonucleotides Onshoring

UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

12 Jun 2026 at 18:18

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is in the planning stage of a tender titled "Request for Information - Oligonucleotides Onshoring," classified under the industry category of laboratory reagents. The procurement process, initiated on 12th June 2026, targets enhancing understanding of the oligonucleotide market with a focus on onshore manufacturing capabilities within the UK. This Request for Information (RFI) is not a sourcing exercise but aims to gather insights to inform future procurement strategies. The engagement end date is set for 10th July 2026, with responses being an integral part of shaping UKHSA’s subsequent approach to improving access to oligonucleotide products. The buying organisation is based in London, with the postal code E14 4PU.

This procurement process presents an opportunity for businesses involved in the manufacture and supply of oligonucleotides to contribute to UKHSA's understanding of the market and its manufacturing landscape. Companies with robust capabilities in the production of synthetic oligonucleotides, particularly those focusing on diagnostics and biosecurity applications, can leverage this RFI to position themselves for future contracts. The tender encourages domestic as well as international manufacturers, particularly those looking to expand or establish operations in the UK, to engage with UKHSA. While not suited for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) or Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprises (VCSEs), larger businesses in the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors may find this an ideal venture for growth and collaboration with a significant public health entity.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Request for Information - Oligonucleotides Onshoring

Notice Description

1. The purpose of this notice is to enhance the Authority's understanding of the marketplace and its options for sourcing for a potential future requirement. 2. The issuance of this request for information (RFI) does not constitute a sourcing exercise nor will the Authority pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a response to this RFI. 3. The UK Health Security Agency's (UKHSA) key objectives for this RFI are: a. understand the ability of the marketplace to fulfil its requirements; b. refine the scope of the requirements to best align to the marketplace; and c. inform the Authority's chosen route to market to best enable competition Description of Scope of Requirements: UKHSA sees access to oligonucleotide manufacturers as key to increasing the UK's biosecurity, preparedness and resilience for infectious diseases. Oligonucleotides are a ubiquitous reagent used widely at many stages for research, development and use of diagnostics and countermeasures for infectious disease. Synthetic oligonucleotides are used widely as essential components of molecular diagnostic assays, sequencing methods and for development of serological assays, as well as critical reagents in the research, development and manufacture of new vaccines and therapeutics. The market for oligonucleotide supply in the UK, when you include use outside of infectious disease-related applications, is significant. UKHSA would like to understand the breadth and depth of oligonucleotide manufacturing capability in the UK and globally. This includes what oligonucleotides are already being manufactured, and to what design, what dependencies or bottlenecks exist, how these are being applied to make a product, and the existing and potential scale of manufacturing capacity. Although UKHSA is interested in understanding international manufacturing capability, UKHSA is specifically interested in improving onshore manufacturing capability for oligonucleotides and would encourage respondents to reflect any future intentions in the UK. This information will be used to inform UKHSA's future approach to improve access to oligonucleotide products, and engagement with oligonucleotide manufacturers about UKHSA's requirements. Should you wish to respond to this Request for Information, please complete the response questionnaire which is found at the following link: https://atamis-1928.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a07Pz00001dZ2lOIAS&searchStr=request+for+inform

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-52499bb7-2e61-4453-a285-d49e959c0e61
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/5a7709b3-44af-479f-b9f3-872c3c87bd24
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33696500 - Laboratory reagents

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
12 Jun 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
10 Jul 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planning
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4PU
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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