Planning

BLC0271 - Drug Testing On Arrest - Market Engagement Notice

BLUELIGHT COMMERCIAL LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

29 Sep 2025 at 12:07

Summary of the contracting process

BlueLight Commercial Limited, a sub-central government authority located in London, has initiated the planning stage for a procurement process titled "BLC0271 - Drug Testing On Arrest - Market Engagement Notice." This tender focuses on goods within the healthcare and drug testing industry, specifically aiming at enhancing the police Drug Testing on Arrest programme. The planning involves obtaining market information to replace the current procurement framework with a more effective and reliable solution. Important dates include a deadline of 3rd October 2025 for the initial written response, followed by virtual meetings scheduled between 13th and 15th October 2025. The market engagement survey will remain open until shortly before the tender is officially published. The contract period is anticipated to start on 1st October 2026 and end on 30th September 2029, with the potential for renewal up to September 2030.

This tender represents significant growth opportunities for businesses in the laboratory and healthcare sectors, particularly those specialising in drug detection and testing apparatus, laboratory reagents, and related health services. Companies that are adept at providing innovative and effective technological solutions in drug testing would be well-suited for this procurement. The engagement process aims to refine the procurement strategy by understanding market capabilities, supplier interest, and identifying any potential risks. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), are encouraged to participate, aligning with BlueLight Commercial's commitment to fostering a diverse supplier base. This engagement will ensure participating businesses have the opportunity to influence the procurement vehicle design and optimise their chances for successful participation when the tender is published.

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Notice Title

BLC0271 - Drug Testing On Arrest - Market Engagement Notice

Notice Description

BlueLight Commercial (BLC) are publishing a Preliminary Market Engagement Notice to gather information in relation to devices to support the police Drug Testing on Arrest programme. BLC are looking at options to replace the current procurement vehicle used by policing for the Drug Testing on Arrest programme and it's evolving needs. BLC will conduct the Preliminary Market Engagement to ensure better understanding of the market, supplier appetite, capacity, and capability, as well as perceived risks and opportunities. The aim is to ensure all forces have access to the most effective, reliable, and innovative solutions available in the market. Please note the procurement vehicle, publication date and contract dates for this tender are still to be decided as the strategy will be devised after the Market Engagement has taken place.

Planning Information

A request for information via a written response is being asked for in the first instance and we ask this is returned by Friday 3rd October at 5pm. Please read the pre-market engagement scope and complete the survey both located within In-Tend. Virtual meetings via teams will take place on Monday 13th October, Tuesday 14th October and Wednesday 15th October. These sessions will provide an opportunity to expand on the information provided in the survey. After the meetings have taken place the market engagement survey will remain open until a short-time before the tender is published to ensure feedback can still be gathered and taken into consideration. Please visit https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home to register on the BlueLight Commercial e-tendering platform. Once registered, please navigate to Portals in the top right of the screen and log in to BlueLight Commercial Portal. Then search for BLC0271.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05a401
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/060487-2025
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Framework
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
SME, VCSE
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)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

33124131 - Reagent strips

33141900 - Blood lancets

33696200 - Blood-testing reagents

33696500 - Laboratory reagents

38434520 - Blood analysers

38500000 - Checking and testing apparatus

38544000 - Drug detection apparatus

71900000 - Laboratory services

85100000 - Health services

Notice Value(s)

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

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Sep 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
2 Mar 20261 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2029 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
BLUELIGHT COMMERCIAL LIMITED
Contact Name
Jane Harrod
Contact Email
jane.harrod@bluelight.police.uk
Contact Phone
07815459826

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1P 3JS
Post Town
South West London
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI3 Inner London - West
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI35 Westminster and City of London
Delivery Location
TLI32 Westminster

Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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