Scope
Reference
BTH25-319
Description
Provision of autonomous AI software for skin cancer diagnosis.
Contract 1. AI for Skin cancer detection
Supplier
Contract value
- £764,304 excluding VAT
- £917,165 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
16 February 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
two extensions of 12 months each
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 33124110 - Diagnostic systems
- 85121282 - Dermatology services
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - technical reasons
The Musculoskeletal, Plastics, Breast, and Skin Team at Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (BTHFT) has identified the need for autonomous AI software to aid with skin cancer detection.
A compliant route to market was identified as a direct award under the Procurement Act 2023.
NICE has conditionally recommended only one AI software for autonomous use for direct patient care in cancer pathways, for use in the NHS over a three-year period while further evidence is generated to confirm its clinical and cost-effectiveness. The software is called Deep Ensemble for Recognition of Malignancy (DERM). DERM, has a Class III CE mark and is manufactured by Skin Analytics.
The reasoning for a direct award is that DERM is the only AI solution with the requisite Class III CE mark and NICE conditional recommendation for autonomous use in the suspected skin cancer pathway. No alternative supplier can provide the necessary clearance and compliance for this pathway.
Supplier
Skin Analytics Ltd
- Companies House: 07919560
Smithfield Business Centre, Second Floor St John's Lane
London
EC1M 4BH
United Kingdom
Region: UKI43 - Haringey and Islington
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. AI for Skin cancer detection
Contracting authority
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMJZ-5573-HMPZ
Bradford Royal Infirmary
Bradford
BD9 6RJ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Alistair Stewart
Region: UKE41 - Bradford
Organisation type: Public authority - central government