Planning

NHS England Prior Approval System

NHS ENGLAND

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

03 Jul 2025 at 09:02

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The contracting process for the NHS England Prior Approval System is currently in the planning stage, as part of a larger pre-procurement exercise. Managed by NHS England, situated at Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd, London, this initiative falls under the public authority-central government classification. Relating to IT services and industry-specific software development, this opportunity is open to suppliers with a focus on digital health tools. Key dates include a webinar on 15th July 2025 and deadlines for submissions on 21st and 23rd July 2025. The contracting period is slated from 1st April 2026 to 31st March 2028. This project aims to develop a system that ensures patients meet specific treatment criteria before NHS funding approval is granted for high-cost treatments.

This tender represents a significant opportunity for businesses, particularly small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in digital health tools and IT services. By participating in the Request for Information (RFI) process, businesses have the chance to influence decisions regarding technical requirements, budgets, and timelines. Enterprises that specialise in developing flexible and functional systems within a challenging health environment will be particularly well-suited to compete. Suppliers with capabilities in software development services and those familiar with integrating healthcare solutions are encouraged to engage with NHS England on this vital project.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

NHS England Prior Approval System

Notice Description

This Pre-Procurement exercise is an opportunity for Interested suppliers to inform and influence our approach, including technical considerations, suitable budgets and timelines, by completing the Request for Information (RFI) documents. We are particularly keen to hear from suppliers who have the capability to develop a system/service that has the functionality and flexibility to meets user and business needs in a complex and changing health environment. This is well suited to SMEs who have capability with digital health tools. The objective of NHS Prior Approval System is to ensure that particular, high-cost treatments are only funded by NHS England when patients meet defined treatment criteria and are therefore able to receive the most benefit from the use of the drug or device. All prior approvals are time-limited and clinicians must confirm treatment effectiveness before approving the continued use of a high-cost drug/device/ treatment. NHS England Specialised Commissioning (national and regional teams) uses this system to support both Managed Access Funds - the Cancer Drugs Fund and the Innovative Medicines Fund - and Routine Commissioning. Healthcare providers are required to seek approval of a specific high-cost drug/ device/ treatment ahead of treatment commencing or to continue the use of a previously approved drug/ device/ treatment. A full description of the requirements for the NHS England Prior Approval System can be access in the Request for Information Documents, linked to this Notice.

Planning Information

Suppliers interested in this opportunity are requested to complete the Request for Information (RFI) document Appendix A related to the Prior Approval System Clarification questions and responses must be submitted via the NHS England’s e-Tendering portal, Atamis. The RFI documents and questionnaire can be found on Atamis by searching for " C372360 RFI – Prior Approval System". To register on the NHS England’s e-Tendering portal and to access this opportunity, please go to https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. You can then search for the opportunity and access any further information. A webinar will be held on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at 2pm (BST) for 1 hour to further explain the requirements and aims of the programme. To book a slot for the webinar, please submit your details using the link below. https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/prior-approval-system-rfi-webinar The deadline for submitting questions relating to this RFI will be 17:00 21st July 2025. This preliminary market engagement exercise is due for return by 17:00 23rd July 2025. If you experience any difficulties accessing the documents, please write to england.supplier@nhs.net

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-055810
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/037008-2025
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

72 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

CPV Codes

72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

72212100 - Industry specific software development services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
3 Jul 20257 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
23 Jul 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Mar 2026 - 31 Mar 2028 2-3 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 ENGLAND
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
england.commercialqueries@nhs.net
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SE1 8UG
Post Town
South East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI45 Lambeth
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Lambeth
Electoral Ward
Waterloo & South Bank
Westminster Constituency
Vauxhall and Camberwell Green

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

Download

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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