Scope
Reference
GEL-HE-25401
Description
To provide comprehensive process and impact evaluation services for the Newborns
Genome Programme ("Generation Study"). The required services include conducting
interviews with designers and early implementers of the Generation Study, administering
surveys and follow-up interviews with parents twelve months after completion of the initial
survey, and undertaking micro-costing analyses to assess changes in resource use and
costs as the programme scales. All data collection and analysis shall be performed using
approved qualitative and quantitative methods, under the oversight of the Study Advisory
Group and the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Advisory Group.
Contract 2
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,400,000 excluding VAT
- £1,680,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Date signed
22 January 2026
Contract dates
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Justification for not setting key performance indicators
Under the £5mil threshold and not relevant to subject matter.
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - further goods, services or works following
a competitive procedure
The Contracting Authority proposes to award the contract for the continuation of
evaluation services for the Generation Study directly to UCL Consultants Limited (UCL)
pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 5, Part 7 of the Procurement Act 2023. Under this
statutory framework, a direct award is permissible where the public contract concerns the
supply of services by the existing supplier, intended as an extension to, or partial
replacement of, existing services, and where specific conditions are satisfied.
In the present circumstances, the evaluation services to be provided by UCL are a direct
extension of the supplier's existing contractual obligations and are integral to the ongoing
delivery of the Generation Study. The Authority has determined that a change in supplier
would result in the receipt of services that are materially different from, or incompatible
with, those previously supplied, as contemplated by paragraph 7(a) of Schedule 5. UCL
has established bespoke methodologies, data structures, and analytical frameworks
which are essential to the continuity and integrity of the evaluation process. The
introduction of an alternative supplier would give rise to disproportionate technical
difficulties in operation and maintenance, including, but not limited to, the risk of
inconsistency in longitudinal data collection, misalignment of analytical processes, and
disruption to established reporting mechanisms, as set out in paragraph 7(b).
Accordingly, the authority is satisfied that the proposed direct award to UCL is both
necessary and proportionate, ensuring the seamless continuation of services and
safeguarding the technical integrity of the Generation Study. This approach is fully
compliant with the statutory requirements and transparency obligations set out in the
Procurement Act 2023.
Supplier
UCL CONSULTANTS LIMITED
- Companies House: 03332258
99 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 4TJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Supported employment provider: No
Public service mutual: No
Contract 2
Contracting authority
GENOMICS ENGLAND LIMITED
- Companies House: 08493132
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBTW-5897-QJGY
Level 21 One Canada Square
London
E14 5AB
United Kingdom
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government