Planning

HMPPS Residual Drug Detection

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

19 Feb 2026 at 14:41

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

22 Jan 2026 at 16:50

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Ministry of Justice, based in London, is in the planning stage of a procurement process for a Residual Drug Detection solution for Her Majesty's Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and Approved Premises sites. This initiative falls within the industry category of drug detection apparatus. The procurement seeks to enhance security measures within prisons by deploying sophisticated detection tools against illicit substances. Interested suppliers are invited to participate in a market engagement process, with a deadline for expressions of interest set for 6th March 2026, followed by an engagement event scheduled for 12th March 2026.

This tender offers substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in high-sensitivity drug detection technologies, particularly those capable of developing portable and cost-efficient solutions that can function effectively in unique environments like prisons. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with expertise in rapid screening, drug library updates, trace detection, and data management are well-positioned to compete. The procurement method aims to leverage cutting-edge solutions that reduce operational delays and maintain security and safety objectives, providing a platform for businesses to showcase and expand their technological capabilities within the public sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

HMPPS Residual Drug Detection

Notice Description

Summary The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is exploring the capability and capacity of the market for the supply of a Residual Drug Detection solution for HMPPS and Approved Premises sites. The intention is for a next-generation solution that will support HMPPS and Approved Premises sites in their efforts to detect and deter illicit substances within prisons and contribute to security and safety objectives as part of the operational policy framework. Background HMPPS continues to prioritise security measures across the prison estate to reduce harm caused by illicit substances and support safer environments by disrupting supply routes and inform intelligence-led decision making. The use of Drugs Detection equipment in prisons, is a key element of the objective to 'manage significant and emerging risks related to drug and alcohol use and supply through effective risk management', as set out in the operational framework. While HMPPS currently employs a range of detection tools, a mobile residual drugs detection capability will look to strengthen operational capability on the ground through deployment of high-sensitivity detection tools where and when they are needed across multiple locations within prisons. Indicative scope of requirement: The requirements at this stage for a next-generation solution are subject to change but it is envisaged that the specification could include the following: Rapid screening o Provide results within seconds to avoid operational delays o Suitable for high-throughput environments like mailrooms Drug Library o Ability to regularly and quickly update the drug library to respond to emerging threats. o Ability to update devices remotely without the need to access prisons. o Broad drug library including SCRAs and Synthetic Opioids Accuracy o Ability to detect trace amounts of a wide range of illicit substances o Minimise false positives and co-alarms and false negatives Portability and ease of use o Lightweight, handheld or easily moveable devices o Simple interface for non-technical staff with minimal training Durability o Usable within non sterile prison environments, e.g. dust, humidity and temperature fluctuations Low maintenance and cost efficiency o Minimal or no calibration requirements. o Affordable consumables and long operational life Data Management o Ability to collect detection data and feed into a central data source for intelligence gathering o Secure storage of detection data Discreet operation o Quiet and unobtrusive to avoid escalating tensions during checks.

Planning Information

The Authority is keen to further engage with suppliers who wish to participate in the market engagement exercise. To submit an expression of interest to take part in the engagement, suppliers will need to complete a Market Engagement Questionnaire in the below link by no later than Friday 6th March 2026. The engagement will take the form of an in-person session on Thursday 12th March 2026. Suppliers who are participating will be expected to showcase their solution to the Authority and take questions from key HMPPS stakeholders within the project. More details on the engagement including the location of the event will be issued to suppliers eligible to participate on completion and approval of the Market Engagement Questionnaire attached to this notice. Please click on the link below to access the questionnaire: https://forms.office.com/e/izewubEkeW Please note- this engagement exercise does not commit the Authority to a formal procurement.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-060cbe
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015311-2026
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

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

CPV Codes

38544000 - Drug detection apparatus

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£7,200,000 £1M-£10M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
19 Feb 20264 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
21 Sep 20267 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Feb 2027 - 31 Jan 2032 Over 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
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE
Contact Name
Not specified
Contact Email
mojprocurementsecurity@justice.gov.uk
Contact Phone
Not specified

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
SW1H 9AJ
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
Not specified
Local Authority
Westminster
Electoral Ward
St James's
Westminster Constituency
Cities of London and Westminster

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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