Tender

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

Pathology Storage and Scanning Solutions Tender Notice

Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

This public procurement record has 4 releases in its history.

Tender

15 May 2026 at 13:46

UK4 - Tender Notice
Planning

13 Oct 2025 at 08:28

UK3 - Planned Procurement Notice
Planning

22 May 2025 at 09:24

UK1 - Pipeline Notice
Planning

06 May 2025 at 12:01

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, in partnership with HealthTrust Europe LLP, has initiated a tender process for the Pathology Storage and Scanning Solutions project. This active procurement, announced on 15th May 2026, seeks to establish a comprehensive framework agreement catering to pathology storage, scanning, and associated management solutions. Based in Basildon, Essex, this open procedure invites submissions from eligible suppliers who can provide services across multiple lots, including storage and retrieval of pathology samples, slide scanning services, and specialised stem cell storage. Interested businesses must submit their tenders by 18th June 2026, with inquiries to be addressed by 8th June 2026. The award is anticipated by 7th August 2026, and the framework agreement includes provisions for potential renewals up until 2034.

This procurement represents a significant growth opportunity for businesses specialising in pathology and medical supply services. The framework's structure, divided into multiple lots, enables flexibility for suppliers to bid for one or more categories, potentially maximising their scope and service offerings. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSEs), are particularly encouraged to participate, as the procurement criteria support a diverse range of business types. Successful bidders will gain access to a substantial UK healthcare market, allowing them to establish or expand their footprint in the public health sector by delivering essential pathology services to various participating authorities.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

Pathology Storage and Scanning Solutions Tender Notice

Notice Description

HealthTrust Europe is seeking to establish a framework agreement with suitably qualified providers for the provision of pathology storage, scanning, and associated management solutions, as detailed within this contract notice. The framework will support Participating Authorities by offering comprehensive services for the storage, retrieval, management, and processing of pathology materials, associated records, and digital outputs. The Framework Agreement will be structured into four Lots, each comprising core and, where applicable, optional requirements. Suppliers may bid for one or multiple Lots, including an aggregated offering. Lot 1: Storage, Retrieval and Management of Pathology Samples This Lot covers physical storage and lifecycle management of pathology materials and associated documentation. Core requirements include: physical storage and management of pathology samples and records; retrieval and transportation; inventory management; and destruction of pathology samples. Optional requirements include: provision of consumables associated with storage, handling, and transport. Lot 2: Pathology Slide Scanning Services and Solutions This Lot focuses on the digitisation of pathology materials and the management of resulting digital assets. Core requirements include: offsite slide scanning services to generate Whole Slide Images; electronic retrieval of digital images; and physical retrieval and transport of pathology samples. Optional requirements include: inventory management; virtual storage solutions; image management systemsand ; provision of consumables; destruction of pathology samples; and deletion of digital images and associated records. Lot 3: Specialised Stem Cell Storage This Lot provides specialised storage services for stem cells requiring controlled environmental conditions. Core requirements include: compliant physical storage and management of stem cells and associated records; retrieval and transportation under appropriate conditions; inventory management; and destruction of stem cells. Lot 4: Aggregated Lot This Lot enables suppliers to offer a combined solution across two or more of Lots 1-3 under a single agreement.

Lot Information

Lot 1: Storage, Retrieval and Management of Pathology Samples

Core requirements: Physical storage and management of Pathology Samples and associated records, retrieval of Pathology Samples and transportation, inventory management, destruction of Pathology Samples. Optional requirements: provision of consumables associated with the Core requirements.

Renewal: Commencement Date of first Framework. Duration of first framework: 2 years. Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Second framework commencement and duration: 3 years. Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Third framework commencement and duration: 3 years HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.

Lot 2: Pathology Slide Scanning Services and Solutions

Core requirements: Off Site Pathology slide scanning to generate Whole Slide Images, electronic retrieval services Whole Slide Images and retrieval of Pathology Samples and transportation. Optional requirements: Physical storage and management of Pathology Samples and associated records, inventory management, Virtual Storage Solutions, Image Management Systems and AI solutions, provision of consumables associated with the Core requirements, destruction of Pathology Samples, deletion of Whole Slide Images and associated records.

Renewal: Commencement Date of first Framework. Duration of first framework: 2 years. Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Second framework commencement and duration: 3 years. Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Third framework commencement and duration: 3 years HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.

Lot 3: Specialised Stem Cell Storage

Core Requirements: Physical storage and management of stem cells in appropriate conditions and associated records, retrieval of stem cells and transportation in appropriate conditions, inventory management, destruction of stem cells.

Renewal: Commencement Date of first Framework. Duration of first framework: 2 years. Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Second framework commencement and duration: 3 years. Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Third framework commencement and duration: 3 years HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.

Lot 4: Aggregated Lot

Aggregation of Lot option (1-3) is designed to accommodate suppliers who can offer more than one lot service provision, combining them under a single agreement. This approach ensures that the Participating Authorities have access to a variety of services either from a single supplier or a cooperative of suppliers, enhancing the convenience and adapting a solution to their needs.

Renewal: Commencement Date of first Framework. Duration of first framework: 2 years. Re-opening of first framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Second framework commencement and duration: 3 years. Re-opening of second framework to Tenderers 6 months before expiry. Third framework commencement and duration: 3 years HTE reserves the right to extend each of the frameworks above by a further 12 months in line with section 49 of the Procurement Act. The maximum period of the Framework shall be 8 years including any extension options that have been applied.

Planning Information

HTE plans to conduct engagement through meetings/in-person discussions/telephone discussions with potential suppliers who are able to provide Slide Storage Services. This engagement exercise aims to establish - • A suitable procurement procedure and award criteria to align to the market; • Specification development and understanding of solutions available in the market; • Identify all potential suppliers of this requirement (including SMEs and VCSEs) and give them the opportunity to be awarded to the Framework; • Understanding commercial structure that aligns to the market expectations and will meet the requirements of any Contracting Authorities; and • Notifying the market and building capacity to prepare for the procurement and contract award. Interested parties please reach out to Eman Majid (eman.majid@htepg.com) at HealthTrust Europe to schedule engagement meeting.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-050cfd
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/044925-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

63 - Supporting and auxiliary transport services; travel agencies services

79 - Business services: law, marketing, consulting, recruitment, printing and security

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

63120000 - Storage and warehousing services

63121000 - Storage and retrieval services

79995100 - Archiving services

85111800 - Pathology services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£120,000,000 £100M-£1B
Lots Value
£120,000,000 £100M-£1B
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
15 May 20263 months ago
Submission Deadline
18 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
10 Nov 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
7 Sep 2026 - 7 Sep 2028 2-3 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Mid South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BASILDON
Postcode
SS16 5NL
Postcode Area
Southend-on-Sea
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLH East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLH3 Essex
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLH37 Essex Thames Gateway
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Basildon
Electoral Ward
Langdon Hills
Westminster Constituency
South Basildon and East Thurrock

Further Information

Notice Documents

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.

Loading OCDS record...