Future opportunity

BWC Cloud-based Genomics Platform

  • Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice reference: 2025/S 000-000560

Published 8 January 2025, 4:05pm



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

Email

andrew.gough2@uhb.nhs.uk

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UKG - West Midlands (England)

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.bwc.nhs.uk/

Buyer's address

https://www.bwc.nhs.uk/

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.

https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome

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