Planning

Malaria & Arbovirus detection assays

  • NHS Blood and Transplant

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2024/S 000-006506

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-044445

Published 29 February 2024, 11:52am



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

NHS Blood and Transplant

203 Longmead Rd, Avon

Bristol

BS16 7FG

Contact

Tennille Madigan

Email

tennille.madigan@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Telephone

+44 7795483583

Country

United Kingdom

Region code

UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire

Internet address(es)

Main address

https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk

Buyer's address

https://www.nhsbt.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

Malaria & Arbovirus detection assays

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 71900000 - Laboratory services

two.1.3) Type of contract

Services

two.1.4) Short description

The Kit Evaluation Group (KEG) assesses the suitability of molecular and serological microbiological assays to be used for the screening of blood and non-blood (e.g. stem cell, tissue) donors to ensure assays are suitable in terms of sensitivity and specificity. KEG approval of suitable assays is a requirement of the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion Services in the United Kingdom (Red Book - https://www.transfusionguidelines.org/red-book).

NHSBT are looking to perform two evaluations, one on malaria detection assays and the other on arbovirus detection assays, which utilise high-throughput automated Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology. This system needs to be integrated (extraction and amplification stages on the same automated equipment) and target DNA or RNA in blood samples collected from blood and non-blood donors. An automated and integrated NAT system is essential to minimise manual steps and to allow for high-throughput testing.

These evaluations are driven by horizon scanning and testing resilience and the proposed work would be standalone evaluations not linked to any procurement exercises. To learn more about KEG we will be holding virtual webinars in the summer of 2024.

two.1.5) Estimated total value

Value excluding VAT: £1

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 71900000 - Laboratory services
  • 33141625 - Diagnostic kits
  • 33124130 - Diagnostic supplies
  • 33696200 - Blood-testing reagents

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Main site or place of performance

NHS Blood and Transplant Site: Filton

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The Kit Evaluation Group (KEG) assesses the suitability of molecular and serological microbiological assays to be used for the screening of blood and non-blood (e.g. stem cell, tissue) donors to ensure assays are suitable in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Kit Evaluation Group (KEG) approval of suitable assays is a requirement of the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion Services in the United Kingdom (Red Book - https://www.transfusionguidelines.org/red-book).

NHSBT are looking to perform two evaluations, one on malaria detection assays and the other on arbovirus detection assays, which utilise high-throughput automated Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) technology. This system needs to be integrated (extraction and amplification stages on the same automated equipment) and target DNA or RNA in blood samples collected from blood and non-blood donors. An automated and integrated NAT system is essential to minimise manual steps and to allow for high-throughput testing.

These evaluations are driven by horizon scanning and testing resilience and the proposed work would be standalone evaluations not linked to any procurement exercises. To learn more about KEG we will be holding virtual webinars in the summer of 2024.
Please email tennille.madigan@nhsbt.nhs.uk for further information and expressions of interest by 30th April 2024.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

1 July 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