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Notice of Intention to make an award under the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process - Provision of end-to-end digital histopathology pathway service with integrated AI diagnostic support and NHS reporting services

UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS PLYMOUTH

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Award

26 Feb 2026 at 12:56

Summary of the contracting process

The procurement process, initiated by University Hospitals Plymouth, involves awarding a contract under the Provider Selection Regime for the provision of an end-to-end digital histopathology pathway service integrated with AI diagnostic support and NHS reporting services. The contract, valued at £275,000, is awarded directly to Inify Laboratories Ltd, based in Oxfordshire, under the Most Suitable Provider process. This procurement encompasses pathology services as described by CPV code 85111800. The contract is set to commence on 13th March 2026 and conclude by 13th March 2027, with potential extension for an additional year. The decision-making involved senior figures like the Cellular & Anatomical Pathology Operations Manager and the Category Manager for Clinical Support, aligning the service with NHS Histopathology Improvement Plan objectives.

This tender offers significant growth opportunities for businesses that specialise in digital diagnostic services, particularly those equipped with advanced AI technology and the ability to integrate seamlessly with NHS systems. It presents a noteworthy opportunity for companies that provide resilient and scalable health services with proven expertise in specialized diagnostic fields, such as prostate cancer. Businesses that can demonstrate capabilities in delivering accurate, efficient, and interoperable diagnostics alongside a strong commitment to quality and compliance will find themselves well-positioned to compete in similar procurement processes. The direct award method highlights the critical demand for tailored services matching specific NHS reporting targets and workforce efficiency improvements.

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Notice Title

Notice of Intention to make an award under the Most Suitable Provider (MSP) process - Provision of end-to-end digital histopathology pathway service with integrated AI diagnostic support and NHS reporting services

Notice Description

1. This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Notice of Intention to make an award. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. This is a Notice of Intention to make an award and is being published in line with Regulation 12 - under The Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime - PSR) Regulations 2023. The Most Suitable Provider Process shall be used to commission this service and award a contract. 2. The contract title and Reference - Provision of end-to-end digital histopathology pathway service with integrated AI diagnostic support and NHS reporting The contract reference - C407455 3. The name and address of the registered office or principal place of business of the provider to whom the contract has been awarded - Inify Laboratories Ltd 191c Nebula Park Drive Milton Park Oxfordshire England OX14 4SE 4. A description of the relevant health care services to which the contract relates, including the most relevant CPV code - Inify delivers a fully integrated, co-designed diagnostic service that aligns with NHS pathways, enables seamless information sharing, and strengthens multidisciplinary collaboration. Its resilient, scalable, and digitally enabled model ensures long-term service continuity and robust governance 85111800 - Pathology services 5. The lifetime value of the contract or, where it is not known, the amounts payable to the provider under the contract - PS275000 6. Details of the award decision-makers - Rob Archer (Cellular & Anatomical Pathology Operations Manager), Mark Austin (Category Manager for Clinical Support) 7. A statement explaining the award decision-makers' reasons for selecting the chosen provider, with reference to the key criteria - Based on our assessment against PSR criteria, we believe Inify Laboratories is the only provider capable of delivering the required service for the following reasons: * End-to-End Integrated Diagnostic Pathway: Inify offers a fully digital, AI-supported histopathology service covering the entire prostate cancer diagnostic workflow--from biopsy logistics to final reporting--within a unified digital ecosystem. * Immediate Access to a Complete Digital Solution: Their platform is fully paperless and interoperable from day one, regardless of the Trust's existing digital infrastructure. * Specialist Focus and Proven Expertise: Inify is purpose-built for prostate cancer diagnostics, with 2.5 years of proven experience in Sweden, delivering faster and more accurate diagnoses compared to generalist labs. * AI-Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency: Validated AI tools significantly reduce diagnostic variation and improve turnaround times (average 3.5 days), supporting NHS reporting targets. * ISO 15189 Accredited Digital Lab: Inify operates a fully standardised, controlled laboratory with embedded AI and an in-house LIMS, ensuring quality and compliance at scale. * Alignment with NHS Objectives: The service directly supports the NHS Histopathology Improvement Plan and National Cancer reporting targets, while improving workforce efficiency and patient experience 8. Any declared conflicts or potential conflicts of interest - No declared conflicts of interest 9. Information as to how any conflicts or potential conflicts of interest were managed - Decision makers have completed and signed conflicts of interest declarations prior to commencing the process (no conflicts declared).

Procurement Information

This intention to award notice is being conducted via most suitable provider route

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-065cfc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/017292-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK5 - Transparency Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Direct
Procurement Method Details
Direct award
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Large

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

85 - Health and social work services


CPV Codes

85111800 - Pathology services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
£275,000 £100K-£500K
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
26 Feb 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
13 Mar 2026 - 13 Mar 2027 1-2 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Complete
Awards Status
Pending
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS PLYMOUTH
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
PLYMOUTH
Postcode
PL6 8DH
Post Town
Plymouth
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK4 Devon
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK41 Plymouth
Delivery Location
Not specified

Local Authority
Plymouth
Electoral Ward
Moor View
Westminster Constituency
Plymouth Moor View

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

INIFY LABORATORIES

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

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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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