Supply and Maintenance of Rapid Plasma Freezer

NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Tender

29 Apr 2026 at 08:56

Planning

21 Oct 2025 at 08:56

Summary of the contracting process

The NHS Blood and Transplant is actively inviting tenders for the supply and maintenance of rapid plasma freezers through an open procurement process. This contract, valued at approximately GBP 3,480,000, involves a framework agreement to provide rapid freezing technology essential for processing human plasma in large volumes. The procurement process is in the tender stage, with the tender period ending on 29th May 2026 and the anticipated award period concluding by 1st August 2026. Parties interested in submitting proposals should ensure compliance with specifications and timelines detailed under SPN342 and SPN1479. The project focuses on sourcing high-quality medical equipment that guarantees minimal downtime and supports operations 24/7 throughout England. The procurement is managed by NHS Blood and Transplant, headquartered in Bristol, whose goal is to ensure the efficiency and reliability of plasma freezing technology for both patient transfusion and plasma fractionation. The contact for this procurement is Jo Murphy available via email and phone.

This tender presents substantial opportunities for businesses specialising in medical equipment, particularly those involved with rapid freezing technology and maintenance services. Companies should have the capability to provide resilient and easily serviceable technology for continuous operation, ensuring reliability and efficiency within a dynamic healthcare environment. Businesses ranging from large suppliers to SMEs with experience in healthcare technology may benefit from this opportunity, especially those able to offer equipment compatible with automated data extraction and 2D barcode/RFID integration. The opportunity allows for the equipment to be installed across various NHS sites, thus expanding the scope of business partnerships. Participation in this tender could significantly propel business growth, fostering long-term collaborations within the healthcare sector.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Supply and Maintenance of Rapid Plasma Freezer

Notice Description

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is conducting a procurement of a multi-year framework agreement for the provision of rapid freezing technology. The technology is required to rapidly and simultaneously freeze a large number of blood packs and/or bottles containing human plasma from processed whole blood donations or from apheresis plasma collections. This plasma is targeted either for use in plasma fractionation or for direct patient transfusion. Solution must include: o The required equipment, installation and any additional works required o Service and maintenance contract o Some exceptions may apply (example EMS integration) * Key objectives and expected outcomes: o Rapid plasma freezer supplied to freeze plasma and meet specifications documented in SPN342 - Processing Timelines and Component Guidelines and SPN1479 - specification for a Bulk Rapid Plasma Freezer o Ensure equipment meets throughput demand with minimal down time o Procure equipment that can be utilised in a department that runs 24 hours/ 365 days per year o Contract that can accommodate future requirements o Supply and maintain equipment anywhere in England o Response times that both parties can agree (must be able to maintain throughput) o NHSBT need the capability to validate the equipment as part of tender exercise and for final use o The requirement to extract freeze cycle data and the ability to interact with 2D barcode scanning or RFID o Schedule of replacement, installation and delivery must enable current throughput to be maintained o Reliable freezer which is easily maintained and serviceable

Planning Information

Sessions are for information gathering only. Suppliers should ensure any shared information is non-confidential or clearly marked if confidential. NHSBT will not reimburse suppliers for preparation or travel. Further instructions and session agendas will be provided following registration. Engagement sessions will be held virtually via MS Teams. Estimated engagement period: November or December 2025. Specific dates and times will be shared with registered suppliers.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d067
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038966-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Planning, Tender

Procurement Classification

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

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products


CPV Codes

33100000 - Medical equipments

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£2,900,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
£2,900,000 £1M-£10M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
29 Apr 20261 months ago
Submission Deadline
29 May 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 30 Sep 2030 4-5 years
Recurrence
2026-08-01

Notice Status

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

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
BRISTOL
Postcode
BS34 7QH
Post Town
Bristol
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK5 West of England
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK52 Bath & North East Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
South Gloucestershire
Electoral Ward
Filton
Westminster Constituency
Filton and Bradley Stoke

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.

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