Scope
Description
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), part of the Department of Business and Trade (DBT) is developing a procurement opportunity relating to various categories of product testing to verify compliance with applicable regulations and standards. DBT are considering awarding a framework across multiple lots. At this stage, DBT cannot confirm the lotting structure in detail, but it is anticipated that the procurement will involve lots that will cover testing under the National Regulation Enforcement Services that the Office for Product Safety and Standards are responsible for.
These will contain, but not necessarily be limited to:
- Construction product testing including resistance and reaction to fire.
- Product safety testing in general covering testing of products such as electrical equipment, gas appliances, toys, furniture, Personal Protective Equipment, batteries, pressure equipment etc.
- Energy efficiency and Noise testing.
- Chemical testing including cosmetics, timber and restriction of hazardous substances (RoHS).
- Cyber security testing covering Product Security and Telecommunication Infrastructure (PSTI) and Smart ChargePoint regulations.
DBT is considering use of the new Open Framework permissions permitted by The Procurement Act 2023. At this stage, it is perceived that the framework could be opened at least once in the early years of up to an 8-year framework. If introducing an 8-year open framework, the value of the opportunity is estimated at £35,000,000. The full specification shall be provided with the tender documents, and the intention of this Premarket Engagement Notice is to engage with suppliers to determine an appropriate approach to the procurement activity.
It should be noted that DBT makes no commitment to procure these services and may decide not to progress any further following engagement with the market. DBT reserves the right to change any information contained within the Preliminary Market Engagement documentation at any time, and Potential Suppliers rely upon any information provided entirely at their own risk.
Background
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is part of The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and was created in January 2018 to deliver consumer protection and to support business confidence, productivity, and growth. OPSS regulate a wide range of products with a focus on their safety and integrity. OPSS works with local, national, and international regulators, with consumer representatives and with businesses to deliver effective protections and to support compliance.
OPSS' mission is to be a trusted product regulator for the UK. This means protecting people and places, enabling business to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices. OPSS will be a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation.
OPSS is:
• the national regulator for all consumer products, except for vehicles, medicines, and food.
• the national regulator for legal metrology, ensuring weighing and measuring instruments are accurate and reliable.
• the National Regulator for Construction Products (NRCP).
Suppliers are strongly encouraged to read the text at the following link to gain a full understanding of the role of the enforcement services within Government:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/national-regulation-enforcement-services
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £35,000,000 excluding VAT
- £42,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2028
- Possible extension to 31 December 2033
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71600000 - Technical testing, analysis and consultancy services
- 71621000 - Technical analysis or consultancy services
- 71630000 - Technical inspection and testing services
- 71632000 - Technical testing services
- 71700000 - Monitoring and control services
- 71730000 - Industrial inspection services
- 71731000 - Industrial quality control services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
30 April 2025
Engagement process description
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) expects to publish a tender opportunity relating to its requirement for outsourced product testing for the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS). DBT intends to introduce a multi-year, multi-lot framework for the provision of various types of testing across multiple years.
DBT are requesting Expressions of Interest ("EOI") pertaining to this requirement. If you have previously submitted an EOI in response to either of the below earlier notices then you do not need to submit another. The previous notices are:
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/05d542e7-e21c-4e9b-9960-c9fd71803885
https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/Notice/038553-2024
To submit a new EOI, please email: commercialbpo@businessandtrade.gov.uk by 30th April 2025 in order to register your interest for updates and participation in Preliminary Market Engagement events, including an introductory webinar that is expected to take place in early May.
At this stage, DBT wishes to understand the size and capability of the supply market. Information that DBT gathers will be used to refine requirements to ensure they are fit for suppliers to deliver against. Meetings may also be held directly with interested participants at a future date, subject to capacity. DBT's overall intended process for Preliminary Market Engagement is (i) suppliers to submit an EOI by 30 April (if they haven't already) (ii) PME events held with the earliest being in early May (iii) potential for individual supplier meetings and (iv) potential for interested supplies to be notified of other PME updates.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 July 2025
Contracting authority
Department for Business & Trade
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PZZJ-6312-QTTD
Old Admiralty Building
London
SW1A 2DY
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government