Planning

Supply and Support of Complete Antibody Quantification Testing Systems

NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

01 Apr 2025 at 11:31

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has initiated the planning stage for the procurement of the "Supply and Support of Complete Antibody Quantification Testing Systems" for their Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) function. This early market engagement aims to connect with suppliers capable of providing quantification methods for anti-D and anti-c antibodies, which are critical for assessing alloimmunisation levels and supporting the clinical management of ANC patients. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with a market engagement exercise scheduled for the week of 19th May 2025. Interested suppliers must express their interest by 2nd May 2025. The engagement meetings will be held remotely, primarily focusing on suppliers offering medical consumables and meeting specific quality requirements. The procurement process will formally begin later, with NHSBT aiming to gather insights to shape their procurement strategy for the anticipated contract start on 11th May 2026.

This tender offers significant opportunities for businesses, particularly those specialising in medical consumables and antibody quantification systems. With an estimated value of £1,200,000 and potential renewals, the contract could substantially benefit suppliers capable of delivering high-quality, reliable testing systems. SMEs are encouraged to participate, as the NHSBT is particularly interested in engaging flexible and innovative suppliers who can meet the 24-hour turnaround time and adhere to CE marking standards. This tender is well-suited for companies with a robust track record in medical diagnostics, particularly those interested in expanding their presence in the healthcare procurement market.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Supply and Support of Complete Antibody Quantification Testing Systems

Notice Description

Anti-D and Anti-c Antibody Quantification NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) Red Cell Immunohaematology (RCI) function is seeking to engage with suppliers of red cell antibody quantification methods via an early market engagement exercise. Please note this is not the start of a procurement process; a separate contract notice will be published to cover this requirement. Prior to commencing the formal procurement process, NHSBT would like to consult the market to improve our knowledge of all current offers available, identify further opportunities and potential issues, as well as gauge market interest in the proposed service. This engagement will help shape NHSBT procurement strategy. The RCI laboratories in NHSBT provide a range of reference services to hospitals, focusing on ensuring safe and effective blood transfusions by diagnosing and managing complex issues related to red blood cells. Antibody (anti-D and anti-c) quantification is a vital component of RCI service, predominantly providing service to NHS hospitals. The test results play a crucial role in guiding the clinical management of alloimmunised ANC patients' by predicting the risk of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and triggering referral to an FMU specialist, In addition, quantification is used to assist in the laboratory differentiation of immune anti-D from passive anti-D Ig This specialised test conducted in 4 of the 7 RCI laboratories (namely Birmingham, Colindale, Liverpool and Newcastle). RCI processes approximately 10,000 tests annually. The test is vital for identifying levels of alloimmune and prophylactic anti-D, as well as alloimmune anti-c in obstetric and other referrals. NHSBT is seeking to engage with suppliers on the market who can provide Antibody Quantification. The requirement is likely to include the following: * Quantification of anti-D and anti-c (expressed in IU/mL). * Less than 24-hour TAT * Quality requirements (such as CE marked) As part of the early market engagement exercise, NHSBT would like to discuss our requirement with suppliers along with a time frame for supply.

Planning Information

It is our intention to hold the early market engagement exercise supplier meetings the week of 19th May 2025. The meetings will be held remotely. To enable us to finalise arrangements (e.g. send meeting details and agree time slots), interested organisations are required to send an expression of interest via email to coco.otiotio@nhsbt.nhs.uk by no later than 17:00 hrs (GMT) on Friday 2nd May. This should include a list of your requested attendees and a brief overview (or a website link) of the Goods / Services which might be of interest to us in relation to this requirement. Please include options, if available, for a managed service contract. There is no guarantee that a formal procurement process will be launched as a result of this early market engagement exercise, nor that any contract(s) will be placed. No remuneration or compensation etc will be paid to organisations who take part in this early market engagement exercise. Suppliers should take part in this process only on the basis that they fully understand and accept this position.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-04fb3d
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/012221-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

CPV Codes

33140000 - Medical consumables

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
1 Apr 202510 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
3 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
10 May 2026 - 11 May 2033 Over 5 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT
Contact Name
Coco Otiotio
Contact Email
coco.otiotio@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Contact Phone
+44 7385435288

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 7QH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
TLG31 Birmingham, TLI London, TLK11 Bristol, City of
Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Filton
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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