Scope
Reference
PROC.08.0954
Description
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHC), Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (BSMHFT), and Birmingham and Solihull GP Partnership Support Unit (GPPSU) are reviewing their WAN infrastructure both individually and collaboratively, aiming to develop a future blueprint for the ICB and ICS. This process involves testing the market to identify the design requirements for the Trusts are accurate.
Driven by NHS England's 10 Year Plan and improving the Trusts’ Cyber Security posture, the aim of the collaboration is to build on previous investments in digital transformation and national strategies like Cloud First and Zero Trust. The collaboration will enable federated access and authentication across the ICB, supporting cross Trust clinical services.
Currently, each Trust operates separate WANs with varying levels of service and infrastructure challenges, such as capacity limitations, inconsistent Wi-Fi, security gaps, and operational inefficiencies. These issues affect clinical operations, staff productivity, and patient care, causing delays, increased risks, and frustration.
By working together, the Trusts are looking to establish a robust digital foundation, meeting today’s needs and enabling ubiquitous data access for staff across an innovative and community based ICB.
WAN services at the three Trusts are currently delivered through three separate contracts utilising a variety of technologies.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 February 2027 to 31 January 2029
- Possible extension to 31 January 2031
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 72720000 - Wide area network services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
28 January 2026
Engagement process description
Potential suppliers are requested to respond to the full requirements, as detailed in BCHC Secure WAN - Market Engagement docx. with confirmation of ability to meet the requirement, a description of how their product meets the requirement, and which module (if applicable) the requirement is met with.
Suppliers must provide estimated costs for their product.
Procurement Process
The procurement process will be subject to further approvals and this Pre-Market Engagement Exercise will help form the tender process so currently, the route to market is unknown.
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 13:00 on Wednesday 28th January 2026.
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
Please search for C411474
To View documents please register interest and then navigate "My Proposals and quotes"
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLVW-7764-XPRN
3 Priestley Wharf, Holt Street
Birmingham
B7 4BN
United Kingdom
Contact name: Uzodimma Okonkwo
Email: uzodimma.okonkwo@uhb.nhs.uk
Website: https://www.bhamcommunity.nhs.uk/
Region: UKG31 - Birmingham
Organisation type: Public authority - central government