Planning

RFI - Appointment of a main reference laboratory

UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

21 May 2025 at 15:36

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

21 May 2025 at 10:15

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is currently in the planning stage of a procurement process for appointing a main reference laboratory. The initiative, titled "RFI - Appointment of a Main Reference Laboratory," falls under the industry category of research laboratory services. This process is focussed on microbial strains and antimicrobial susceptibility testing in support of the UK NEQAS Microbiology External Quality Assessment schemes, with the potential contract period starting from 18th November 2025 and ending on 17th November 2028, with a possibility of renewal until November 2030. Interested parties need to be aware that the Request for Information (RFI) response deadline is 11th June 2025, at 23:59 BST. The procurement is based in London, indicative of a centralised public authority contract opportunity managed by UKHSA's Commercial Operations, with relevant documentation available through the Atamis portal.

This procurement presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in laboratory and microbiological research services. SMEs are particularly encouraged to participate, fostering competition and innovation in the field of microbial testing and quality assessment. The engagement highlights UKHSA's commitment to collaborating with capable laboratories that can contribute to the efficiency and efficacy of public health quality assessments. By becoming the main reference laboratory, businesses can enhance their portfolios, expand their clientele in the public sector, and contribute to vital health initiatives, potentially leading to further public contracts and business growth.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

RFI - Appointment of a main reference laboratory

Notice Description

UK NEQAS Microbiology is seeking to appoint a main reference laboratory to provide microbial strains and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in support of its External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes. This RFI is seeking information from laboratories that have the capability and capacity to fulfil the outlined requirements.

Planning Information

UK NEQAS Microbiology is seeking to appoint a main reference laboratory to provide microbial strains and perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) in support of its External Quality Assessment (EQA) schemes. This RFI is seeking information from laboratories that have the capability and capacity to fulfil the outlined requirements. The issuance of this RFI does not constitute a sourcing exercise, but responses provided will help to shape UKHSA’s sourcing strategy. UKHSA will not pay any costs incurred by respondents in the preparation of a response to this RFI. The supporting documents can be accessed via Project C363261 in the Atamis portal: https://atamis-1928.my.salesforce-sites.com/?searchtype=Projects Please refer to the documentation for full details and instructions on how to respond.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-051a25
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/024272-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary 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

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73111000 - Research laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 May 20259 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
11 Jun 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
18 Nov 2025 - 17 Nov 2028 3-4 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
UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Contact Name
Commercial Operations
Contact Email
procurementnotices@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

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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