Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
1st Floor, Quarry House, Quarry Hill
Leeds
LS2 7UE
Contact
Kaysha Maynard
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
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
NHS England Down’s Syndrome Screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS)
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85148000 - Medical analysis services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHS England is to conduct market engagement to obtain input and feedback in preparation for a potential tender of a Down’s Syndrome Screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS)
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Down’s Syndrome Screening Quality Assurance Support Service (DQASS) is in place to monitor and support the quality and effectiveness of the screening tests for Down’s syndrome (T21), Edwards’ syndrome (T18) and Patau’s syndrome (T13) in England.
The DQASS service supports the NHS Fetal Anomaly Programme by providing statistical services that delivers independent clinical audit data and feedback to screening laboratories and ultrasound practitioners to enable quality assurance and continuous quality improvement.
The analysis undertaken by the service checks the baseline median values, risk algorithm parameter values and population measures, such as age adjusted follow-up rates. Through meta-analyses, DQASS provides information on effects of factors such as smoking that is used to improve screening performance.
The analyses provided by DQASS is used by the Screening Quality Assurance Service (SQAS) to improve the screening programme through feedback on all aspects of the test to laboratories, ultrasound departments and commercial.
DQASS provides independent audits of screening laboratory and ultrasound data in a standardised and statistically valid format.
The service model includes statisticians who are experts in Down’s, Edwards’ and Patau’s syndromes.
For more detailed information about the DQASS, including reporting, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/downs-syndrome-screening-quality-assurance-support-service
For more detailed information about the DQASS, including reporting, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/downs-syndrome-screening-quality-assurance-support-service
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
1 April 2024
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