Planning

Provision of Rapid Freezing Technology for Human Plasma

NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

21 Oct 2025 at 08:56

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NHS Blood and Transplant, a public authority under central government, is in the planning stage for acquiring rapid freezing technology used for human plasma. The tender, titled "Provision of Rapid Freezing Technology for Human Plasma," is under the industry category of medical equipment and industrial freezers. It aims to secure a multi-year contract for advanced freezing technology capable of processing both blood packs and apheresis plasma collections. This contract is above threshold and valued at up to £1.8 million. Scheduled engagement sessions will occur virtually in November or December 2025, providing potential suppliers the opportunity to participate in discussions. The procurement process is planning to move forward with public communication on the tender set to be released by 1 February 2026. The contract is expected to commence on 1 August 2026 and run until 31 July 2030, supporting NHSBT's operations across England.

This procurement creates notable growth opportunities for businesses experienced in medical and industrial freezing solutions. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as voluntary, community, and social enterprises (VCSEs), are identifying as well-suited to compete, given the contract's scope that includes equipment supply, installation, and maintenance. Businesses with capabilities for delivering reliable freezing solutions catering to 24/7 operations will benefit, potentially partnering with NHSBT to advance technology in plasma processing. This demanding project will require providers to demonstrate robust validation processes, integration capabilities, and maintenance efficiency, fostering long-term collaboration and innovation within the health sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Provision of Rapid Freezing Technology for Human Plasma

Notice Description

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is considering procurement of a multi-year contract 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 procurement must provide 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.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-05d067
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/066969-2025
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

39 - Furniture (incl. office furniture), furnishings, domestic appliances (excl. lighting) and cleaning products

42 - Industrial machinery

CPV Codes

33100000 - Medical equipments

39711124 - Industrial freezers

42513100 - Freezing equipment

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,500,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
21 Oct 20254 months ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
1 Feb 2026Expired
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jul 2026 - 31 Jul 2030 4-5 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 BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT
Contact Name
Jo Murphy
Contact Email
jo.murphy@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Contact Phone
01179212718

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

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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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