--- title: "In-Vitro Testing of New Psychoactive Substances (IVT-NPS)" ocid: "ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9" canonical_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9" markdown_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9.md" json_url: "https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9.json" source: "Contracts Finder" current_stage: "Tender" buyer: "MINISTRY OF DEFENCE" published: "2024-11-22" --- # In-Vitro Testing of New Psychoactive Substances (IVT-NPS) Buyer: MINISTRY OF DEFENCE Current stage: Tender OCID: ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9 [View canonical contract page](https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9) [Download OCDS JSON](https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9.json) ## Summary The Ministry of Defence is seeking to procure a service for in-vitro testing of new psychoactive substances (IVT-NPS) to support the implementation of the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016). This procurement focuses on pharmacological testing on immobilised cloned human cells against suspected psychoactive substances. The project falls under the industry category of Research Laboratory Services (CPV 73111000). The tender is currently in the active stage, with a tender period ending on 21 December 2024, and the contract period is scheduled to run from 1 April 2025 to 31 March 2031. The procurement method is selective, employing a restricted procedure above the threshold, encompassing a broad geographic scope including the British Oversea Territories, Channel Islands, Europe, Isle of Man, and the Rest of the World. This tender provides significant opportunities for businesses specialising in bioassays and pharmacological testing methods. It is particularly suited for SMEs capable of delivering robust and efficient receptor binding assays, transporter uptake/release, and functional assay methodologies. The selected supplier will contribute to supporting the criminal justice system through accredited laboratory tests and comprehensive test reports. This opportunity can foster business growth for companies with the capability to meet the stringent requirements and standards set by the Ministry of Defence, including potential courtroom involvement to substantiate testing results if needed. ## Notice Dstl have a requirement to procure a service for in-vitro testing of potentially psychoactive substances to support the implementation of the Psychoactive Substances Act (2016) hereafter referred to as the PSA. The testing involves pharmacological testing on immobilised cloned human cells against suspected psychoactive substances. The PSA makes it an offence to produce; supply; offer to supply; possess with intent to supply; import or export a psychoactive substance. In order to make provisions to support the Act there is a requirement to conduct in-vitro testing of Test Substances. This technical specification focuses on in vitro bioassays subdivided into binding and functional assays. The Supplier is required to conduct in vitro bioassays using relevant, robust and efficient receptor binding assay, transporter uptake/release and functional assay methodology for the selected molecular targets. This involves laboratory testing of substances to an accredited standard and preparation of test reports and associated documentation to support the criminal justice system. The Supplier may be expected to attend court but ordinarily the results are interpreted by an expert witness who will perform this function, if required, based on their statement to the court. ## Key Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication source | Contracts Finder | | Latest notice | https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26adaefc-b590-46e2-86e1-7a0d87a9756d | | Notice type | Tender Notice | | Procurement type | Standard | | Procurement category | Services | | Procurement method | Selective | | Procurement method details | Restricted procedure (above threshold) | | Tender suitability | SME | | Awardee scale | Not specified | | All stages | Tender | ## Dates | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Publication date | 22 Nov 2024 | | Submission deadline | 21 Dec 2024 | | Future notice date | Not specified | | Award date | Not specified | | Contract period | 31 Mar 2025 - 31 Mar 2031 | | Recurrence | Not specified | ## Values | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender value | Not specified | | Lots value | Not specified | | Awards value | Not specified | | Contracts value | Not specified | ## Status | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Tender status | Active | | Lots status | Not specified | | Awards status | Not specified | | Contracts status | Not specified | ## Buyer | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Main buyer | MINISTRY OF DEFENCE | | Locality | SALISBURY | | Post town | Salisbury | | Postcode | SP4 0JQ | | Country | England | | ITL 1 | TLK South West (England) | | ITL 2 | TLK7 Gloucestershire and Wiltshire | | ITL 3 | TLK72 Wiltshire | | Local authority | Wiltshire | | Electoral ward | Winterslow & Upper Bourne Valley | | Westminster constituency | Salisbury | | Delivery location | Not specified | ## CPV Codes ### Divisions - 73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services ### Codes - 73111000 - Research laboratory services ## Release History - 22 Nov 2024 at 06:00 - Tender - Tender Notice - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26adaefc-b590-46e2-86e1-7a0d87a9756d ## Documents - https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/26adaefc-b590-46e2-86e1-7a0d87a9756d 22nd November 2024 - Opportunity notice on Contracts Finder - https://contracts.mod.uk Link to eSourcing Portal ## Provenance This Markdown file is an alternate public rendering of the D3 Tenders contract record. The canonical page is https://d3tenders.com/contract/?ocid=ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9. The underlying structured data is available as OCDS JSON at https://d3tenders.com/contract/ocds-b5fd17-17279b63-87b2-4bf5-b4de-36594c24a0b9.json.