Scope
Reference
prj_14629
Description
This requirement is for forensic analysis for the presence of drugs, on items seized from HMPPS settings (including prisons and approved premises). At the time of publishing this Notice, it is anticipated the service requirement would be for approximately 108 Public Prisons and 105 Approved Premises across England & Wales, with a estimation of approximately 7500 total item submissions per annum. This is a guide only and is subject to change.
Subject to final specification design, it is envisaged that the contract would provide laboratory-based analysis of seized substances (liquid or solid) to identify the presence of:
- Controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Substances under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
- Prescription and pharmacy medicines
The intention is that the provider will hold a library of drugs that they can detect, including the drugs outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 as well as other substances. Where the provider has a certified standard in their drugs library, the identity of the substance can be confirmed and where possible advise on the nature of any other substance that could be identified through analysis.
The identification of substances will assist in tackling the conveyance and abuse of drugs inside prisons and approved premises and provide an evidential basis for adjudication proceedings.
Total value (estimated)
- £15,000,000 excluding VAT
- £18,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2029
- Possible extension to 31 March 2031
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
- 71620000 - Analysis services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
25 April 2025
Engagement process description
HMPPS are keen to hear from interested suppliers to understand their appetite, capability and capacity for this requirement, to support with development of the procurement for this service.
A Market Engagement Questionnaire has been developed and we invite responses via the link below:
https://forms.office.com/e/hPAvPgWcmB
The deadline for completion of the Market Engagement Questionnaire is 23:59hrs on Friday 25th April 2025.
This Market Engagement exercise does not commit the Authority to a formal procurement and information provided in this questionnaire is subject to change.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 September 2025
Contracting authority
Ministry of Justice
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNN-2773-HVYN
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
United Kingdom
Email: MoJProcurement.Off@justice.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/procurement
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government