Section one: Contracting authority/entity
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
Telephone
+44 1443848585
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.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
Purchase of Rare or Inherited Disease Test Directory testing for Welsh patients
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 33910000 - Pathology dissection instruments and supplies
two.1.3) Type of contract
Supplies
two.1.4) Short description
In-line with All Wales Medical genomic Service’s (AWMGS) commissioning model, AWMGS will procure from CeGaT whole exom sequencing (WES) for trio or singleton virtual panel analysis, MLPA and single gene testing for patients where this testing cannot be accessed within the NHS E laboratory network. This genetic testing will ensure equity of access to genomic testing for Welsh patients and meet their need to seek a timely genetic diagnosis for their rare or inherited disease.
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £660,000
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
NWSSP Procurement Services intends to award a contract on behalf of Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, AWMGS, for the supply of whole exom sequencing (WES) for trio or singleton virtual panel analysis, MLPA and single gene testing from CeGAT. The contract is estimated to commence in June 2024, for a period of two years.
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
All Wales Genomics Service (AWMGS) is commissioned by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (JCC) (formally WHSSC) to provide genetic testing for Welsh patients which is equitable to the Clinical Indications stated in the NHSE Rare and Inherited Disease Test Directory. NHS E patients can currently access a range of Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) and Whole Exome Sequencing (WES) tests for rare and inherited diseases delivered from within the 7 Genomic Laboratory Hub service model. As a single service provider within Wales, there is necessarily a reliance on external services to enable delivery of the entire Test Directory.
In-house service developments are ongoing to increase the number of genetic tests delivered from within AWMGS and there are significant repatriations planned but these will not go-live until 2025 – 27 (services will be introduced over a 18–24-month basis) following completion of the GLIMS and relocation projects.
Due to a lack of testing capacity of NHS England laboratories to carry out the WGS based tests, reliance has been made on incumbent private provider CeGat. Given current organisational pressures to deliver an effective service, it has been noted that additional capacity be provided to supress demand. Equally, CeGAT have absorbed the sample courier responsibilities as part of the sample pathway, which has reduced the impact on AWMGS staffing. There have also been a number of MDT mechanisms established to ensure that reporting of patient results is consistent between AWMGS and CeGaT. This is critical to service delivery as it ensures equity for patients that are being referred to AWMGS and means that they are not at risk of receiving differing testing approaches depending on if testing was delivered in house or via an external laboratory. This level of bespoke service and customisation meeting the specification defined in the AWMGS standard operating procedures and consistent with UK best practice reporting guidelines is essential to delivering a robust and equitable, high-quality service. Given the bespoke attributes of the current contract, a direct award approach negates additional expenditure of the service and extended timelines.
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract/concession
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract/concession
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
15 May 2024
five.2.2) Information about tenders
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor/concessionaire
CeGaT GmbH
Paul-Ehrlich-Straße 23
Tubingen
D72076
Telephone
+44 7500081932
Country
Germany
NUTS code
- DE1 - Baden-Württemberg
The contractor/concessionaire is an SME
No
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot/concession (excluding VAT)
Total value of the contract/lot/concession: £660,000
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=141500.
(WA Ref:141500)
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
High Court
Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand
London
WC2A 2LL
Telephone
+44 2079477501
Country
United Kingdom