Planning

PCR Sample Collection Kit Request for Information (RFI)

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACTING AS PART OF THE CROWN THROUGH UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

22 Aug 2025 at 14:24

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

22 Aug 2025 at 14:16

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Health Security Agency, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is currently in the planning stage for a procurement process titled "PCR Sample Collection Kit Request for Information (RFI)." This initiative falls under the goods category, specifically pertaining to diagnostic kits, medical consumables, and PCR equipment. Based in London, the agency aims to enhance its understanding of the marketplace concerning PCR sample collection kits, which are crucial for pandemic preparedness and public health protection. The procurement process involves a request for information (RFI) with submissions due by 15th September 2025. No financial value has been assigned at this planning stage, and the aim is to explore potential suppliers and solutions without guaranteeing a contract. This request is central to the UK's strategy to deploy diagnostics swiftly in response to pandemic threats.

This procurement offers significant business growth opportunities for firms specialising in diagnostic kits and medical consumables. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly encouraged to participate, given the UK's focus on agility and innovation in health security. Suppliers with UKCA/CE-approved products that are user-friendly and do not require specialised training stand to benefit significantly. Additionally, companies capable of providing turnkey services that complement PCR product delivery and usage models will find this opportunity particularly advantageous. Overall, businesses that can contribute to enhancing PCR testing capabilities are well-positioned to compete in this tender, advancing public health imperatives and potential future procurements.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

PCR Sample Collection Kit Request for Information (RFI)

Notice Description

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. 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. 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. 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 responsible for protecting every member of every community from the impact of infectious diseases, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear incidents and other health threats. We provide intellectual, scientific and operational leadership at national and local level, as well as on the global stage, to make the nation's health secure. UKHSA uses PCR sample collection kits as a critical tool in protecting public health, providing support in outbreak investigations and control measures for a range of pathogens including SARS-CoV-2 and H1N2 To provide greater resilience and flexibility across use cases as part of UKHSAs Pandemic Preparedness strategy and support the UK's contribution to the 100 Days Mission - GOV.UK, which targets deployment of diagnostics within 100 days of identifying a new pandemic threat, it would be beneficial to identify a suitable standard VTM self-collection PCR sample collection kit that could either be procured for central stockpile or acquired at the point of need. The UKHSA requires a UKCA/CE approved self-collection PCR sample collection kit that is easy to access, simple and intuitive to be used by the UK public (with no required specialist training and with minimal technical jargon). In addition, UKHSA is also seeking to understand the availability of turnkey services that could support the PCR product and inform our choice of delivery model Should you wish to respond to this Request for Information, please complete the response questionnaire which is found at the following link: https://atamis-1928.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a07Sr00000e7gVVIAY&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=

Planning Information

Request for information

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-058d05
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/050961-2025
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

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

CPV Codes

33140000 - Medical consumables

33141625 - Diagnostic kits

38911000 - Manual swab test kits

38951000 - Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) equipment

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Aug 20256 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
15 Sep 2025Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jan 2026 - 31 Mar 2026 1-6 months
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
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACTING AS PART OF THE CROWN THROUGH UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Contact Name
Josh 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

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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