Planning

Request for Information - Containment Level 3 (CL3) UK Capacity

UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

19 Jan 2026 at 17:00

Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is in the planning stage of a procurement process titled "Request for Information - Containment Level 3 (CL3) UK Capacity," aimed at evaluating the capacity and capabilities of Containment Level 3 laboratories across the UK. This initiative falls under the industry category of laboratory services and seeks to explore potential collaborations to enhance laboratory capacity in times of high demand or public health emergencies. The official document was released on 19th January 2026, with a deadline for responses set for 2nd February 2026. This process is focused on locations within the United Kingdom, with specific interest from entities based in London, as indicated by the postal code E14 4PU. The procurement method involves a Request for Information (RFI) to assess the market before proceeding further.

This tender presents a prime opportunity for businesses operating Containment Level 3 laboratories, as it aims to identify facilities with spare capacity that can seamlessly support UKHSA's operations during emergencies. Organisations with technical, digital, and governance capabilities that enable effective collaboration with the UKHSA could benefit significantly from engaging in this RFI. Furthermore, the process allows for the exploration of commercial models for potential future engagement. The process encourages participation from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), offering an inclusive platform for diverse market players to showcase their capacities and propose collaborative models that could contribute to the nation's public health infrastructure resilience and readiness.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Request for Information - Containment Level 3 (CL3) UK Capacity

Notice Description

Instructions: 1. The purpose of this document 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. 4. The key dates for this RFI are as follows: 1. RFI Published: 19th January 2026 2. RFI Response 2nd February 2026 5. Should you have any questions or queries relating to this RFI, please use the Atamis portal's messaging centre to direct your questions to us for a response. 6. If a response is not received by the RFI response deadline this will have no impact on your ability to tender for the opportunity in the future. UKHSA will not enter into contracts on the basis of replies to this RFI. Description of Scope of Requirements: The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is exploring opportunities to supplement its existing Containment Level 3 (CL3) laboratory capacity through collaboration with operational CL3 facilities across the UK. This Request for Information (RFI) seeks to understand the capabilities, readiness, and interest of organisations that currently operate CL3 laboratories and may be able to support UKHSA's public health mission during surge periods or emergencies. Objectives - Identify operational CL3 laboratories with spare capacity or surge readiness. -Assess technical, digital, and governance capabilities for collaboration. - Explore commercial models for potential engagement with UKHSA. This RFI is intended for organisations that currently operate CL3 laboratories in the UK. Responses should focus on existing facilities and capabilities that could be mobilised to support UKHSA's laboratory operations, particularly during public health emergencies or periods of high demand. Should you wish to respond to this Request for Information, please complete and return the attached RFI via email to joshua.williams@ukhsa.gov.uk.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-6bbc11e8-f908-4908-9b74-06393ea1d70f
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/22e086bf-7a70-46ff-ae03-fba774897fe7
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

CPV Codes

71900000 - Laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Jan 2026Today
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Feb 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
Joshua Williams
Contact Email
joshua.williams@ukhsa.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

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

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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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