Planning

Replacement Pharmacy Dispensing Robot

NTW SOLUTIONS LIMITED

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

20 May 2026 at 12:55

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

NTW Solutions Limited, based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, is conducting early market engagement for the replacement of its automated pharmacy dispensing robot. This initiative falls under the public authority central government category and is situated in the United Kingdom, specifically in the UKC region. Currently in the planning stage, the procurement involves a significant investment with an estimated gross value of £360,000. This engagement is part of a larger process to assess market capabilities and explore available solutions before any formal procurement activities commence. Key dates include a deadline for stakeholder engagement on 5 June 2026, and the planned contract period spans from 1 September 2027 to 30 August 2032, with potential for renewal.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in automated industrial robotics, particularly those with solutions that support high-reliability, scalable, and adaptable technologies. Companies with experience in NHS healthcare, integration with existing pharmacy and clinical systems, and compliance with NHS cyber security standards are well-positioned to participate. The procurement process seeks to identify suppliers who can offer innovative systems that enhance operational efficiency while maintaining robust security and integration capabilities. The early engagement phase is an excellent platform for businesses to showcase their technological prowess and establish strategic relationships with NTW Solutions ahead of future procurement phases.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

Replacement Pharmacy Dispensing Robot

Notice Description

1. Purpose of this Market Engagement NTW Solutions is undertaking early market engagement to explore options for replacing its automated pharmacy dispensing robot. The current system is supported until September 2027. This exercise is intended to understand market capability in advance of any future procurement. This is not a tender or call to competition. The objectives are to: * Assess market capability and maturity * Understand available solutions and service models * Inform the scope, specification and procurement approach 2. About the Organisation NTW Solutions provides pharmacy services supporting NHS clinical services across multiple sites. Medicines management is a safety-critical function operating within a regulated NHS and digital environment. 3. High-Level Requirement The dispensing robot is a core operational asset supporting: * Automated, secure storage and dispensing of medicines * Accurate and efficient individual dose dispensing into monitored dosage systems * Stock control, tracking and auditability * Reduced manual handling and improved workforce efficiency * High reliability in a time-critical, high-volume environment The replacement solution must provide a robust, scalable and future-proof platform. At this stage, NTW Solutions is interested in understanding: * Types of automated dispensing / robotics solutions available * Suitability for individual dose dispensing (MDS) * Throughput, capacity and scalability * Physical footprint and infrastructure requirements * Implementation and transition approaches * Ongoing support and lifecycle models 4. Integration and Digital Requirements Suppliers should demonstrate capability in: * Integration with pharmacy stock control systems * Integration with EPMA systems * Interfacing with wider clinical systems * Use of open standards and APIs * Reporting and data extraction * Compliance with NHS cyber security and IG requirements Particular interest is in solutions that avoid bespoke integrations and remain adaptable. 5. Supplier Capability Suppliers are invited to provide high-level information on: * Relevant NHS / healthcare experience * Implementation models and timescales * Support and resilience arrangements * Training and change management * Product roadmap * Indicative commercial approach / pricing models 6. Next Steps Information gathered will inform a future procurement strategy. Participation does not guarantee inclusion in any subsequent procurement. 7. Response Details Suppliers are invited to submit a brief, high-level response addressing the above areas. * Deadline: 5 June 2026 * Contact: Gavin.Thompson@ntw.nhs.uk

Planning Information

Early Market Engagement

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-069d78
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/046395-2026
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

42 - Industrial machinery

CPV Codes

42997300 - Industrial robots

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£300,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
20 May 20263 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
5 Jun 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Aug 2027 - 30 Aug 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
NTW SOLUTIONS LIMITED
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
Postcode
NE3 3XT
Post Town
Newcastle upon Tyne
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLC North East (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLC4 Northumberland, Durham and Tyne & Wear
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLC43 Tyneside
Delivery Location
TLC North East (England)
Local Authority
Newcastle upon Tyne
Electoral Ward
Fawdon & West Gosforth
Westminster Constituency
Newcastle upon Tyne North

Further Information

Notice Documents

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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