Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Steelhouse Lane
Birmingham
B4 6NH
Contact
Andrew Gough
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
UKG - West Midlands (England)
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
BWC Cloud-based Genomics Platform
Reference number
PROC.08.0795
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 72261000 - Software support services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Birmingham Women's and Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (BWC) is looking to procure a Cloud-based Genomics Platform to support the Trust .
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
1. Introduction
The West Midlands Regional Genetics Laboratory (WMRGL), the largest genomics facility in the UK, plays a pivotal role in delivering cutting-edge genomic services to over 11 million people across 41 NHS Trusts. However, the service faces significant risks due to rapidly increasing data volumes, the complexity of genomic analyses, and limitations of its current IT infrastructure. This briefing focuses on the urgent need for a cloud-based genomics data management and analysis platform to address these challenges and future-proof operations.
2. Current Situation
WMRGL’s current reliance on ageing local compute and storage infrastructure is no longer sustainable, with the system unable to meet growing data and processing demands, facilitate secure collaboration across the Central and South (C&S) Genomic Laboratory Hub, or support efficient delivery of genomic testing services. These limitations, combined with a lack of ICT support, present a high risk of operational failure.
3. The Solution
A cloud-based genomics platform provides a comprehensive solution to the challenges faced by WMRGL. By leveraging scalable cloud infrastructure, the platform can accommodate the exponential growth of genomic data while facilitating enhanced efficiency, cost savings and robust information security. It also enables seamless collaboration with Central and South GLH partners through secure data sharing and distributed workflows.
4. Procurement
This Pre-Market Engagement exercise is for the Authority to test the market on its given requirements. The route to market for any award is undecided at this stage. Information obtained from this exercise will help identify the most suitable procurement approach and determine whether the Authority's requirements for a cloud-based genomics platform can be met.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
4 April 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: No
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
Suppliers wishing to participate in this market engagement exercise and express an interest in this requirement should respond to the questionnaire via the online form on the Health Family Single eCommercial System Portal (Atamis) by 15:00 on Friday 31st January 2025.
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