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Microbiology Automation, including automated Blood Culture, Microbial Identification and Susceptibility Testing Systems

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

20 Feb 2026 at 17:13

UK4 - Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust is leading a procurement process on behalf of several trusts and the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service for the supply of advanced microbiological testing laboratory automation. This tender, initiated on 20 February 2026, aims to procure systems for automated blood culture, microbial identification, and susceptibility testing across facilities in Northern Ireland. The tender process, governed by a competitive flexible procedure, is at the tender stage with a submission deadline of 1 April 2026. The procurement falls under the medical equipment category, with significant gross potential valued at £25,947,007 and encompasses additional services related to laboratory systems. Interested parties should note the enquiry period ending on 25 March 2026 and anticipate the award period completion by 30 November 2026.

This tender presents substantial growth opportunities for businesses specialising in laboratory automation, medical equipment supply, and related services. Companies adept in providing integrated, interoperable systems that meet specific technical requirements and offer reliable maintenance services would be well-suited to compete. The tender includes provisions for potential future purchases, which can further extend business prospects if infrastructure constraints are resolved. Suppliers must demonstrate strong legal, financial, and technical capabilities, particularly in handling complex, high-value contracts, and have the capacity to deliver sophisticated laboratory solutions. The selective procurement method ensures that only qualified suppliers are considered, maximising collaboration opportunities within the UK's healthcare sector.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Microbiology Automation, including automated Blood Culture, Microbial Identification and Susceptibility Testing Systems

Notice Description

The Business Services Organisation (BSO) Procurement and Logistics Service (PaLS), on behalf of the Health and Social Care (HSC) Trusts and the Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS), invites tenders for the supply of advanced laboratory automation solutions for microbiological testing, including automated Blood Culture, Microbial Identification and Susceptibility Testing Systems.

Lot Information

Lot 1

Options: The tender includes options to procure additional equipment where funding becomes available and infrastructure constraints are resolved. Details of known future requirements are included within the tender documentation; however, provision of these items is not currently feasible due to unresolved floor loading and wider infrastructure issues. These potential future purchases will be assessed as part of the tender and may proceed if, and when, the constraints are addressed and funding is secured. The tender also includes provisions for additional quantities and changes to test repertoires. Criteria for additional purchases are set out in the tender documentation and include, but are not limited to, changes in clinical guidance, departmental recommendations, changes in clinical practice, consolidation of testing services, and unforeseen increases in demand.

Renewal: There is provision for an extension of the contract for any period up to and including 24 months. A further extension of up to 18 months may also be applied; however, this additional 18-month extension may be used solely to facilitate a subsequent procurement competition or to put in place alternative arrangements for the required supplies or services. The estimated Total Value provided includes all potential extensions, as well as any known potential future purchases described within the "Description of Options".

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-0659ae
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/015855-2026
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK4 - Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Selective
Procurement Method Details
Competitive flexible procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
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

CPV Codes

33000000 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

33696000 - Reagents and contrast media

33696200 - Blood-testing reagents

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

38400000 - Instruments for checking physical characteristics

38434000 - Analysers

71900000 - Laboratory services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£21,622,505 £10M-£100M
Lots Value
£21,622,505 £10M-£100M
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 Feb 20266 months ago
Submission Deadline
1 Apr 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
1 Jan 2027 - 31 Dec 2032 Over 5 years
Recurrence
2034-01-01

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Additional Buyers

NI Blood Transfusion Service

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Western Health and Social Care Trust

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
ANTRIM
Postcode
BT9 7AB
Postcode Area
Northern Ireland
Country
Northern Ireland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLN Northern Ireland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLN0 Northern Ireland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLN06 Belfast
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Belfast
Electoral Ward
Blackstaff
Westminster Constituency
Belfast South and Mid Down

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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