Planning

Provision of Sequencing Panel for Detection of Gene Fusions In Cancer

  • NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

F01: Prior information notice (prior information only)

Notice identifier: 2021/S 000-012659

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-02b8e4

Published 7 June 2021, 12:15pm



Section one: Contracting authority

one.1) Name and addresses

NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership-Procurement Services (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)

4-5 Charnwood Court,, Heol Billingsley, Parc Nantgarw

Cardiff

CF15 7QZ

Contact

Ryan James

Email

ryan.james3@wales.nhs.uk

Telephone

+44 2921836442

Country

United Kingdom

NUTS code

UK - United Kingdom

Internet address(es)

Main address

http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/

Buyer's address

https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/Search_AuthProfile.aspx?ID=AA0221

one.2) Information about joint procurement

The contract is awarded by a central purchasing body

one.3) Communication

Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address

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

Provision of Sequencing Panel for Detection of Gene Fusions In Cancer

two.1.2) Main CPV code

  • 33696500 - Laboratory reagents

two.1.3) Type of contract

Supplies

two.1.4) Short description

The All Wales Genomics Laboratory intends to procure an RNA sequencing panel to enable the identification of gene fusion events in somatic tissue samples, to replace the current laboratory tests.

AWGL currently offers a range of gene fusion detection services using predominantly fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) together with a limited number of qPCR assays. These tests cover the common genetic translocations seen in haematological malignancies, lymphomas, sarcomas and solid tumour referrals in a range of tissues including bone marrow, peripheral blood and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues.

two.1.6) Information about lots

This contract is divided into lots: No

two.2) Description

two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)

  • 33696500 - Laboratory reagents

two.2.3) Place of performance

NUTS codes
  • UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Main site or place of performance

All Wales Genomics Laboratory

Institute of Medical Genetics

University Hospital of Wales

Heath Park

Cardiff

CF14 4XW

two.2.4) Description of the procurement

The All Wales Genomics Laboratory intends to procure an RNA sequencing panel to enable the identification of gene fusion events in somatic tissue samples.

AWGL currently offers a range of gene fusion detection services using predominantly fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) together with a limited number of qPCR assays. These tests cover the common genetic translocations seen in haematological malignancies, lymphomas, sarcomas and solid tumour referrals in a range of tissues including bone marrow, peripheral blood and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues.

In 2020/21 the laboratory received referrals from over 3000 samples for gene fusion translocation testing. Many of these samples were interrogated for more than 1 gene fusion event.

The laboratory intends to introduce and NGS assay that will ensure the following objectives are met-

- Workflow Standardisation - Introduction of a single NGS assay that can be used to detect a variety of clinically relevant gene fusions, across a range of sample types and cancers.

- Streamlining Analysis – NGS assay allows the transfer of fusion analysis from predominantly microscopy based analyses (FISH) to a more sensitive and standardised method.

- Service Improvement – Allows reduction of turnaround times by simultaneous detection of all clinically relevant gene fusion events using a protocol that is amenable to automation.

- Expansion of gene fusion testing repertoire - Flexibility in panel content for future proofing against new testing requirements in cancer.

We anticipate that an invitation to tender will be published in autumn 2021, with a view to begin service delivery in spring 2022.

AWGL invite suppliers to present their solution via Teams/Skype/Zoom on a mutually convenient time/date between Monday 5th July and Friday 16th July 2021.

The presentation should detail how your solution may best meet our needs with time for questions at the end.

Please contact Ryan James, ryan.james3@wales.nhs.uk to arrange a meeting, where you will be provided a list of information that the laboratory requests you cover in your presentation.

two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice

1 October 2021


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: Yes


Section six. Complementary information

six.3) Additional information

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=111195.

(WA Ref:111195)