Award

Microbiology Services

SOMERSET NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

TenderUpdate

02 Apr 2026 at 13:02

Award

18 Mar 2026 at 14:39

Summary of the contracting process

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust has recently awarded a contract for microbiology services, under the Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Regulations 2023. The contract is for comprehensive diagnostic microbiology services, including the provision of clinical advice to healthcare professionals. This award procedure falls outside the scope of Public Contracts Regulations 2015, and the contract is valued at £180,000 excluding VAT. Services will be provided from 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027 at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton, located in the UKK23 region. As the procurement process involved a limited method and followed the direct award procedure, the contract aims to continue using an existing provider who has proven capable of delivering high-quality pathology services.

This tender presents significant opportunities for well-established and experienced service providers within the pathology services industry. Businesses specialising in microbiology laboratory testing and clinical advisory services could benefit from continued collaboration and service sustainability, as highlighted by the key criteria in the procurement process. Moreover, the emphasis on quality, innovation, and social value indicates potential growth through improved service provision and partnership with healthcare institutions. Companies with a solid track record in delivering integrated and accessible diagnostics services are well-suited to meet the contract requirements and contribute to reducing health inequalities, which may add to their reputational and operational advantages in the healthcare sector.

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Notice Title

Microbiology Services

Notice Description

Microbiology services including clinical microbiology laboratory testing and advice. To provide a range of diagnostic services and care pathways including Virology, Serology, Molecular and Clinical advice. The provision of a comprehensive diagnostic referral service and incident support services.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The provision of a comprehensive diagnostic microbiology service including clinical advice to healthcare professionals.
The Authority is intending to award the contract to an existing provider following the direct award process C.
The lifetime value of this contract is expected to be PS180,000. This is a call off order.
The contract dates are 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027.
This is an existing service with the existing provider.

Procurement Information

This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this<br/>contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations<br/>2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015<br/>do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of<br/>this notice. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by 31<br/>March 2026. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an<br/>intention to award under the PSR.

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-066dcc
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/030920-2026
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Limited
Procurement Method Details
Award procedure without prior publication of a call for competition
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
Not specified
Contracts Value
£180,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Apr 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
18 Mar 20262 weeks ago
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Complete
Lots Status
Cancelled
Awards Status
Active
Contracts Status
Active

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
SOMERSET NHS FOUNDATION 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
TAUNTON
Postcode
TA1 5DA
Post Town
Taunton
Country
England

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLK South West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLK6 North Somerset, Somerset and Dorset
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLK62 Somerset
Delivery Location
TLK23 Somerset CC

Local Authority
Somerset
Electoral Ward
Bishop's Hull & Taunton West
Westminster Constituency
Taunton and Wellington

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

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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