Scope
Reference
C014PA
Description
Essex Coroner Service is seeking to procure toxicology services on behalf of his Majesty's Coroner. The contract requirement includes;
1. Collection of samples from Coroners approved Mortuaries
2. Testing of samples
3. Production of a report to support the pathologist in determining the cause of death
Contract will run from April 2026 for an initial period of 3 years with possible extensions of 24 months
Total value (estimated)
- £838,000 excluding VAT
- £1,005,600 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
The Agreement term for the contract will be 3 years with an option to extend for a period of 24 months. The decision to extend the Agreement with is at the sole discretion of Essex County Council.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85111810 - Blood analysis services
- 85111820 - Bacteriological analysis services
Contract locations
- UKH3 - Essex
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
22 January 2026, 11:59pm
Tender submission deadline
8 February 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
The Tender Pack for this opportunity is available via the Proactis ProContract web portal. Interested parties must first register as a supplier by visiting: https://procontract.due-north.com/register
Once registered, bidders can access this contract opportunity by following these steps:
1. Go to: https://procontract.due-north.com/Opportunities
2. Search for Essex County Council from the organisation list
3. Search for Project ref: DN801926 or title C014PA Provision of Toxicology Services
4. Select "express interest" in this opportunity
5. Download the Tender Pack and complete your bid submission by the deadline date (12pm 8th of February 2026).
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
18 February 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 December 2028
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Price | 60% |
| Technical | Quality | 35% |
| Social value | Quality | 5% |
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Contracting authority
Essex County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PWVM-4844-NRQH
County Hall, Market Road
Chelmsford
CM1 1QH
United Kingdom
Email: mihaela.matei@essex.gov.uk
Region: UKH36 - Heart of Essex
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government