Planning

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

UK Health Security Campus, Harlow - Major science, headquarters and campus infrastructure works

SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACTING AS PART OF THE CROWN THROUGH UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY

This public procurement record has 3 releases in its history.

PlanningUpdate

13 Jul 2026 at 09:38

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
PlanningUpdate

10 Jul 2026 at 15:30

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Planning

10 Jul 2026 at 11:33

UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The UK Health Security Agency, acting on behalf of the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is planning a substantial procurement process for the construction of the UK Health Security Campus in Harlow, Essex. This project represents a significant investment in creating a modern national health security and biosecurity campus, integrating UKHSA's specialist scientific facilities and headquarters functions. The procurement process is currently in the planning stage, with a preliminary market engagement event scheduled for 10 September 2026. Interested parties should note the engagement deadline of 27 August 2026. The initial contract period is expected to span from 2028 to 2038, with no extensions to the contract dates currently anticipated. The project falls under the construction work industry category, with an estimated gross value of GBP 1.2 billion.

This tender presents significant growth opportunities for Tier 1 construction contractors, delivery partners, and specialist organisations experienced in large-scale and complex construction projects, particularly those involving scientific and laboratory facilities. The engagement focuses on selecting a contractor for the design and build tasks outside the high-containment laboratory building, offering potential contractors the opportunity to contribute to infrastructure that will enhance the UK's capacity to handle public health threats. Businesses with expertise in science and laboratory facilities, secure environments, and major programme integration will find the project aligns well with their capabilities, providing a rare chance to engage in a high-profile public sector delivery initiative.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UK Health Security Campus, Harlow - Major science, headquarters and campus infrastructure works

Notice Description

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is preparing to engage the market on a major construction opportunity in Harlow, Essex. The opportunity sits within the UK Health Security Campus Programme: a once-in-a-generation investment to create a modern, purpose-built national health security and biosecurity campus. The new campus will bring together UKHSA's specialist scientific facilities from Porton Down and Colindale and its London headquarters functions onto a single integrated site in Harlow. The campus is intended to provide modern laboratories, office accommodation and supporting infrastructure to strengthen the UK's ability to detect, assess and respond to serious public health and biosecurity threats. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice relates to the procurement of a Tier 1 construction contractor for the design and build of the campus facilities and infrastructure outside the separately managed high-containment laboratory building. In practical terms, the potential requirement is expected to include a new science and headquarters building, medium-containment laboratory capability, office accommodation, energy centre, logistics and support facilities, arrivals and education facilities, external works, utilities, site infrastructure and associated campus-wide integration. The separately managed high-containment laboratory building, which will contain the most specialist Containment Level 4 capability, will be delivered through a separate agreement and is not the focus of this engagement activity. UKHSA is using this engagement to test and develop the core commercial considerations, such as; whether the remaining campus works should ideally be delivered through a single Tier 1 design and build model, or whether alternative delivery models would improve deliverability, competition and value for money. The potential requirement would include: * a new science and headquarters building providing modern laboratory, technical and office accommodation for around 2400 FTE ; * containment Level 2 and Containment Level 3 laboratory areas and associated technical environments; * office space and shared facilities to support the relocation and co-location of UKHSA staff; * logistics, warehousing, support and campus operations facilities; * arrivals, reception, security, education, training and outreach facilities; * site-wide infrastructure, a dedicated energy centre, utilities, external works, access, parking and enabling works; * coordination with the separately managed high-containment laboratory project and other programme workstreams; * construction logistics, phasing, mobilisation, commissioning support and handover planning; * health, safety, environmental, quality, security and regulatory coordination requirements; * sustainability, carbon reduction, energy efficiency, materials reuse and social value outcomes. The opportunity is part of a wider programme targeting full campus operational readiness by 2038. Key programme activities include advanced works and main construction during the late 2020s and early 2030s, followed by transition, commissioning, validation and relocation activity through the mid-to-late 2030s. Further detail on the programme timings will be available via the engagement process and may be subject to change as work progresses. The final scope, procurement route, contract model, packaging strategy, value and timetable remain subject to approval and are likely to change following market engagement and further project development. The estimated costs within this notice represent the anticipated cost of the construction work associated with this opportunity. Through the market engagement process, the Agency will be able to provide additional detail on expected value vs potential value. This notice is for preliminary market engagement only. It is not a call for competition and does not commit UKHSA to commence a procurement or award a contract. Related professional services opportunity UKHSA is also progressing related professional services procurement activity to support the wider UK Health Security Campus Programme. This activity is expected to support the development, assurance, design, commercial, technical and delivery readiness of the programme. The professional services opportunity and this preliminary market engagement for the proposed Harlow science, headquarters and supporting campus infrastructure works are separate but related elements of the wider programme. Suppliers should note that the professional services activity is intended to support the development and delivery of the programme, while this notice relates to market engagement with organisations interested in the future construction delivery opportunity. UKHSA is referencing the related professional services activity in this notice to provide market context and to help suppliers understand the broader programme landscape. Interested suppliers should review any separately published notices for the professional services opportunity where relevant.

Planning Information

UKHSA intends to hold an in-person preliminary market engagement event in Harlow on 10 September 2026. Final venue, dates, access, security and joining instructions will be confirmed to registered suppliers. The event will introduce the UK Health Security Campus Programme, explain the proposed construction opportunity in supplier-facing terms, describe the expected scope boundary, and seek market views on the most deliverable and competitive approach. UKHSA wants suppliers to understand the scale, purpose and strategic importance of the opportunity, not just the procurement mechanics. The event is expected to include: • an overview of UKHSA’s purpose and the role of the Harlow campus in UK health security and biosecurity; • a clear explanation of the proposed construction opportunity and its boundary with the separate high-containment laboratory project; • an overview of the campus facilities likely to be in scope, including laboratories, offices, logistics, arrivals, education and infrastructure; • discussion of emerging delivery model, packaging and procurement route options; • discussion of the commercial model, risk allocation and programme sequencing; • discussion of sustainability, carbon reduction, local legacy and social value expectations; • supplier Q&A, structured one-to-one discussions and site engagement where feasible. UKHSA intends to issue a Request for Information (RFI) as part of this preliminary market engagement and to those who express an interest in this opportunity. The RFI will seek structured market feedback on the proposed delivery and procurement approach for the Harlow science, headquarters and campus infrastructure works, and help inform the discussions at the market engagement event. Follow-on site visits or additional engagement sessions may be held after the event, subject to demand, security and access requirements. Participation The engagement is aimed primarily at Tier 1 contractors, delivery partners and specialist organisations with relevant experience in major complex construction, science and laboratory facilities, secure or regulated environments, campus infrastructure, logistics, large-scale programme integration and public sector delivery. UKHSA welcomes interest from organisations able to contribute meaningful evidence and practical market insight relevant to the potential requirement. Event capacity will be limited and therefore we will prioritise suppliers who are capable of meeting the stated aims. To register your interest in this opportunity, please follow this link to the Atamis Portal https://atamis-1928.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a07Pz00001jmLOcIAM&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-h6vhtk-06c874
Publication Source
Find A Tender Service
Latest Notice
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065492-2026
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
UK2 - Preliminary Market Engagement Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Works
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

45 - Construction work

CPV Codes

45000000 - Construction work

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£1,000,000,000 £1B-£10B
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
13 Jul 20262 days ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
30 Nov 20265 months to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
31 Jan 2028 - 30 Sep 2038 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
SECRETARY OF STATE FOR HEALTH AND SOCIAL CARE ACTING AS PART OF THE CROWN THROUGH UK HEALTH SECURITY AGENCY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
LONDON
Postcode
E14 4PU
Post Town
East London
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLI London
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLI4 Inner London - East
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLI42 Tower Hamlets
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Tower Hamlets
Electoral Ward
Canary Wharf
Westminster Constituency
Poplar and Limehouse

Further Information

Notice Documents

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

JSON Markdown

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. 

{
    "tag": [
        "compiled"
    ],
    "id": "ocds-h6vhtk-06c874-2026-07-13T10:38:46+01:00",
    "date": "2026-07-13T10:38:46+01:00",
    "ocid": "ocds-h6vhtk-06c874",
    "initiationType": "tender",
    "parties": [
        {
            "id": "GB-PPON-PBMQ-7576-DVGW",
            "name": "Secretary of State for Health and Social Care acting as part of the Crown through UK Health Security Agency",
            "identifier": {
                "scheme": "GB-PPON",
                "id": "PBMQ-7576-DVGW"
            },
            "address": {
                "streetAddress": "10 South Colonnade",
                "locality": "London",
                "postalCode": "E14 4PU",
                "country": "GB",
                "countryName": "United Kingdom",
                "region": "UKI42"
            },
            "contactPoint": {
                "name": "John Bradshaw",
                "email": "john.bradshaw@ukhsa.gov.uk"
            },
            "roles": [
                "buyer"
            ],
            "details": {
                "url": "https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency",
                "classifications": [
                    {
                        "id": "publicAuthorityCentralGovernment",
                        "scheme": "UK_CA_TYPE",
                        "description": "Public authority - central government"
                    }
                ]
            }
        }
    ],
    "buyer": {
        "id": "GB-PPON-PBMQ-7576-DVGW",
        "name": "Secretary of State for Health and Social Care acting as part of the Crown through UK Health Security Agency"
    },
    "planning": {
        "milestones": [
            {
                "id": "engagement",
                "type": "engagement",
                "description": "UKHSA intends to hold an in-person preliminary market engagement event in Harlow on 10 September 2026. Final venue, dates, access, security and joining instructions will be confirmed to registered suppliers. The event will introduce the UK Health Security Campus Programme, explain the proposed construction opportunity in supplier-facing terms, describe the expected scope boundary, and seek market views on the most deliverable and competitive approach. UKHSA wants suppliers to understand the scale, purpose and strategic importance of the opportunity, not just the procurement mechanics. The event is expected to include: * an overview of UKHSA's purpose and the role of the Harlow campus in UK health security and biosecurity; * a clear explanation of the proposed construction opportunity and its boundary with the separate high-containment laboratory project; * an overview of the campus facilities likely to be in scope, including laboratories, offices, logistics, arrivals, education and infrastructure; * discussion of emerging delivery model, packaging and procurement route options; * discussion of the commercial model, risk allocation and programme sequencing; * discussion of sustainability, carbon reduction, local legacy and social value expectations; * supplier Q&A, structured one-to-one discussions and site engagement where feasible. UKHSA intends to issue a Request for Information (RFI) as part of this preliminary market engagement and to those who express an interest in this opportunity. The RFI will seek structured market feedback on the proposed delivery and procurement approach for the Harlow science, headquarters and campus infrastructure works, and help inform the discussions at the market engagement event. Follow-on site visits or additional engagement sessions may be held after the event, subject to demand, security and access requirements. Participation The engagement is aimed primarily at Tier 1 contractors, delivery partners and specialist organisations with relevant experience in major complex construction, science and laboratory facilities, secure or regulated environments, campus infrastructure, logistics, large-scale programme integration and public sector delivery. UKHSA welcomes interest from organisations able to contribute meaningful evidence and practical market insight relevant to the potential requirement. Event capacity will be limited and therefore we will prioritise suppliers who are capable of meeting the stated aims. To register your interest in this opportunity, please follow this link to the Atamis Portal https://atamis-1928.my.salesforce-sites.com/ProSpend__CS_ContractPage?SearchType=Projects&uid=a07Pz00001jmLOcIAM&searchStr=&sortStr=Recently+Published&page=1&filters=&County=",
                "dueDate": "2026-08-27T23:59:59+01:00",
                "status": "scheduled"
            }
        ],
        "documents": [
            {
                "id": "065128-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065128-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T12:33:26+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "065338-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065338-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-10T16:30:29+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            },
            {
                "id": "065492-2026",
                "documentType": "marketEngagementNotice",
                "noticeType": "UK2",
                "description": "Preliminary market engagement notice on Find a Tender",
                "url": "https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/065492-2026",
                "datePublished": "2026-07-13T10:38:46+01:00",
                "format": "text/html"
            }
        ]
    },
    "tender": {
        "id": "C456865",
        "legalBasis": {
            "id": "2023/54",
            "scheme": "UKPGA",
            "uri": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2023/54/contents"
        },
        "title": "UK Health Security Campus, Harlow - Major science, headquarters and campus infrastructure works",
        "description": "The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is preparing to engage the market on a major construction opportunity in Harlow, Essex. The opportunity sits within the UK Health Security Campus Programme: a once-in-a-generation investment to create a modern, purpose-built national health security and biosecurity campus. The new campus will bring together UKHSA's specialist scientific facilities from Porton Down and Colindale and its London headquarters functions onto a single integrated site in Harlow. The campus is intended to provide modern laboratories, office accommodation and supporting infrastructure to strengthen the UK's ability to detect, assess and respond to serious public health and biosecurity threats. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice relates to the procurement of a Tier 1 construction contractor for the design and build of the campus facilities and infrastructure outside the separately managed high-containment laboratory building. In practical terms, the potential requirement is expected to include a new science and headquarters building, medium-containment laboratory capability, office accommodation, energy centre, logistics and support facilities, arrivals and education facilities, external works, utilities, site infrastructure and associated campus-wide integration. The separately managed high-containment laboratory building, which will contain the most specialist Containment Level 4 capability, will be delivered through a separate agreement and is not the focus of this engagement activity. UKHSA is using this engagement to test and develop the core commercial considerations, such as; whether the remaining campus works should ideally be delivered through a single Tier 1 design and build model, or whether alternative delivery models would improve deliverability, competition and value for money. The potential requirement would include: * a new science and headquarters building providing modern laboratory, technical and office accommodation for around 2400 FTE ; * containment Level 2 and Containment Level 3 laboratory areas and associated technical environments; * office space and shared facilities to support the relocation and co-location of UKHSA staff; * logistics, warehousing, support and campus operations facilities; * arrivals, reception, security, education, training and outreach facilities; * site-wide infrastructure, a dedicated energy centre, utilities, external works, access, parking and enabling works; * coordination with the separately managed high-containment laboratory project and other programme workstreams; * construction logistics, phasing, mobilisation, commissioning support and handover planning; * health, safety, environmental, quality, security and regulatory coordination requirements; * sustainability, carbon reduction, energy efficiency, materials reuse and social value outcomes. The opportunity is part of a wider programme targeting full campus operational readiness by 2038. Key programme activities include advanced works and main construction during the late 2020s and early 2030s, followed by transition, commissioning, validation and relocation activity through the mid-to-late 2030s. Further detail on the programme timings will be available via the engagement process and may be subject to change as work progresses. The final scope, procurement route, contract model, packaging strategy, value and timetable remain subject to approval and are likely to change following market engagement and further project development. The estimated costs within this notice represent the anticipated cost of the construction work associated with this opportunity. Through the market engagement process, the Agency will be able to provide additional detail on expected value vs potential value. This notice is for preliminary market engagement only. It is not a call for competition and does not commit UKHSA to commence a procurement or award a contract. Related professional services opportunity UKHSA is also progressing related professional services procurement activity to support the wider UK Health Security Campus Programme. This activity is expected to support the development, assurance, design, commercial, technical and delivery readiness of the programme. The professional services opportunity and this preliminary market engagement for the proposed Harlow science, headquarters and supporting campus infrastructure works are separate but related elements of the wider programme. Suppliers should note that the professional services activity is intended to support the development and delivery of the programme, while this notice relates to market engagement with organisations interested in the future construction delivery opportunity. UKHSA is referencing the related professional services activity in this notice to provide market context and to help suppliers understand the broader programme landscape. Interested suppliers should review any separately published notices for the professional services opportunity where relevant.",
        "items": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "additionalClassifications": [
                    {
                        "scheme": "CPV",
                        "id": "45000000",
                        "description": "Construction work"
                    }
                ],
                "deliveryAddresses": [
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    },
                    {
                        "region": "UK",
                        "country": "GB",
                        "countryName": "United Kingdom"
                    }
                ],
                "relatedLot": "1"
            }
        ],
        "value": {
            "amountGross": 1200000000,
            "amount": 1000000000,
            "currency": "GBP"
        },
        "mainProcurementCategory": "works",
        "aboveThreshold": true,
        "lots": [
            {
                "id": "1",
                "contractPeriod": {
                    "startDate": "2028-01-31T00:00:00Z",
                    "endDate": "2038-09-30T23:59:59+01:00",
                    "maxExtentDate": "2042-09-30T23:59:59+01:00"
                },
                "hasRenewal": true,
                "status": "planning"
            }
        ],
        "communication": {
            "futureNoticeDate": "2026-11-30T23:59:59Z"
        },
        "status": "planning",
        "amendments": [
            {
                "id": "065338-2026",
                "description": "Additional clarity on the expected costs of the construction opportunity. The prior estimated cost included some design and validation services which may not feature as part of this opportunity."
            },
            {
                "id": "065492-2026",
                "description": "Estimated Contract extension period removed. No extension to Contract Dates anticipated."
            }
        ]
    },
    "language": "en"
}