Planning

Ask AI about this notice

Summarise, research or assess it with AI

View Markdown

Share this notice

Send this contract to a colleague

SPS-02361 Substance Screening & Related Services

Scottish Prison Service

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Planning

17 Sep 2026 at 01:00

OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The Scottish Prison Service and Northern Ireland Prison Service intend to procure substance screening kits and related services for use across Scotland and Northern Ireland. The requirement covers point-of-care screening devices, confirmatory analysis services, reporting, training and ongoing support. It is primarily a goods procurement, but combines equipment supply with laboratory and analytical services. The work will suit suppliers able to provide screening products together with the supporting testing and information services needed by prison services. The main classification is automated drug-detection equipment (CPV 38544000), with additional classifications covering laboratory services and analysis. The Scottish Prison Service is the named buyer, with Northern Ireland Prison Service participating in the requirement.

This procurement is at the planning stage: the buyers have stated an intention to proceed, but it is not yet an invitation to tender. The process is planned as one lot and is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement. The buyers expect the next notice, a Contract Notice, to be published on 22 October 2026. They then expect to issue an Invitation to Tender containing the Scottish Single Procurement Document, with tender responses evaluated against the requirements set out in that invitation. The planning information sets out the intended sequence from contract notice to tender and evaluation; commercial terms and final tender requirements will be established when the procurement reaches that stage.

This planned requirement is relevant to suppliers that can combine substance-screening technology with dependable testing and support services. Strong candidates are likely to include manufacturers or distributors of point-of-care screening devices, laboratories able to undertake confirmatory analysis, and providers capable of integrating equipment, results reporting, training and user support. Businesses with an established service model across both Scotland and Northern Ireland may be well placed to support the participating prison services. Preparation should focus on demonstrating the reliability and practical operation of screening kits and devices, the quality and timeliness of confirmatory analysis, clear reporting arrangements, and the ability to train staff and provide continuing technical support. The procurement is not yet available for bidding.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Information

Notice Title

SPS-02361 Substance Screening & Related Services

Notice Description

The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) require a supplier to provide substance screening kits and associated services, including the supply of point of care screening devices, confirmatory analysis services, reporting services, training and support.

Lot Information

Lot 1

The SPS will commence this procurement process in good faith and with the intention of awarding a contract. Following publication of the Contract Notice, an Invitation to Tender (ITT) including the Single Procurement Document (Scotland) (SPD) will be published by SPS and will be made available to bidders on Public Contract Scotland-Tender (PCS-T). Tender responses will then be evaluated by the SPS in accordance with the ITT.

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000843262
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=SEP564767
Current Stage
Planning
All Stages
Planning

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F1 - Prior Information Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Not Specified
Procurement Method Details
Not specified
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

71 - Architectural, construction, engineering and inspection services

85 - Health and social work services

CPV Codes

38544000 - Drug detection apparatus

71620000 - Analysis services

71900000 - Laboratory services

85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
17 Sep 20262 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
Not specified
Future Notice Date
22 Oct 20262 weeks to go
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Planned
Lots Status
Planned
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
Scottish Prison Service
Additional Buyers

Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS)

Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
EDINBURGH
Postcode
EH12 9DJ
Postcode Area
Edinburgh
Country
Scotland
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM1 East Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM13 City of Edinburgh
Delivery Location
TLM Scotland, TLN Northern Ireland
Local Authority
City of Edinburgh
Electoral Ward
Drum Brae/Gyle
Westminster Constituency
Edinburgh West

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=SEP564767
    SPS-02361 Substance Screening & Related Services - The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) and Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) require a supplier to provide substance screening kits and associated services, including the supply of point of care screening devices, confirmatory analysis services, reporting services, training and support.

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.

Loading OCDS record...