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UoD-EFM158-TC-2026 - NTRL Sample Transport

University of Dundee

This public procurement record has 2 releases in its history.

Award

22 Oct 2026 at 01:00

PCS Notice - Website Contract Award Notice
Tender

01 May 2026 at 01:00

PCS Notice - Website Contract Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The University of Dundee appointed a contractor to transport suspected controlled-drug samples securely and promptly for the National Testing and Research Laboratory, a specialist forensic chemistry laboratory based at the University’s Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. The samples come through Scotland’s Drug Checking Pilot, which supports the national effort to reduce drug-related harms and deaths. The pilot’s services operate in Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, so transport links these locations with the laboratory in Dundee. This is a specialist logistics service for sensitive materials, rather than a general courier requirement: the work must support confirmatory qualitative and quantitative analysis while meeting relevant legal, security and handling requirements.

The procurement is complete and the contract is active. The University used an open procedure and awarded the single-lot contract to Eagle Couriers. The award date was 3 June 2026 and the contract was signed on 31 August 2026. The contract is valued at £110,000 and runs for 1,080 days. The competition closed on 3 June 2026. Two bids were received, both from small or medium-sized enterprises. Selection requirements included compliance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, dangerous-goods transport rules, Home Office guidance on transporting controlled drugs, and the Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations. The service was reserved to a particular profession. Bidders had to name the staff assigned to the work, and alternative bids were not permitted.

This award shows demand for specialist, time-critical courier work supporting controlled-drug testing across Scotland. A credible competitor would need the legal authority and professional standing to carry out this work, as well as secure procedures for handling and transporting sensitive materials. Relevant capability includes compliance with COSHH and dangerous-goods transport requirements, the Misuse of Drugs Act and Regulations, and Home Office security guidance for controlled-drug transport. Suppliers would also need to demonstrate suitable organisational security and industry practice, and identify the staff who would perform the service. The award to a courier business, and the participation of two SMEs, indicate that this requirement can be delivered by a specialist logistics supplier rather than only a large national contractor. The work is focused on the four pilot service locations and delivery to the Dundee laboratory.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

UoD-EFM158-TC-2026 - NTRL Sample Transport

Notice Description

As part of Scotland's national public health response to drug-related harms, the University will host the National Testing and Research Laboratory (NTRL) within the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science. The NTRL will operate as a specialist forensic chemical laboratory providing confirmatory qualitative and quantitative analysis of suspected controlled drug samples submitted through Scotland's Drug Checking Pilot. This procurement seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and authorised Contractor to provide secure, compliant, and time-sensitive transport services in support of the NTRL's operational function.

Lot Information

Lot 1

This procurement seeks to appoint a suitably qualified and authorised Contractor to provide secure, compliant, and time-sensitive transport services in support of the NTRL's operational function. The Scottish Government is undertaking a Drug Checking Pilot as part of its National Mission to reduce drug-related harms and deaths in Scotland. The pilot will introduce drug-checking services at four locations: Glasgow, Dundee, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh. These services will operate under appropriate legal permissions and governance arrangements.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000830915
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT567226
Current Stage
Award
All Stages
Tender, Award

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
PCS Notice - Website Contract Award Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
SME

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

33 - Medical equipments, pharmaceuticals and personal care products

64 - Postal and telecommunications services

CPV Codes

33600000 - Pharmaceutical products

64120000 - Courier services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£110,000 £100K-£500K
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
£110,000 £100K-£500K

Notice Dates

Publication Date
22 Oct 20265 days ago
Submission Deadline
3 Jun 2026Expired
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

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

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
University of Dundee
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
DUNDEE
Postcode
DD1 4HN
Postcode Area
Dundee
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM0 Eastern Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM03 Angus and Dundee City
Delivery Location
TLM71 Angus and Dundee City
Local Authority
Dundee City
Electoral Ward
West End
Westminster Constituency
Dundee Central

Supplier Information

Number of Suppliers
1
Supplier Name

Eagle Couriers

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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