Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
Contact
Jessica Gaucher-Thompson
jessica.gaucher-thompson@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKJ1 - Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted electronically via
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
Tenders or requests to participate must be submitted to the above-mentioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
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
Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy hubs for Melanoma (Adults)
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85100000 - Health services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England -Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Authority), is inviting suitably qualified and experienced providers to respond to this Competitive Process for the provision of Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy hubs for Melanoma (Adults).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £69,970,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: Yes
Tenders may be submitted for one lot only
Maximum number of lots that may be awarded to one tenderer: 1
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 1 - London (2 Sites)
Lot No
1
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKI - London
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with two (2) sites in London.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £17,470,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 2 - East of England (1 Site)
Lot No
2
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKH - East of England
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the East of England.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 3 - South East (1 Site)
Lot No
3
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKJ - South East (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the South East.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 4 - South West (1 Site)
Lot No
4
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKK - South West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the South West.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 5 - Midlands (1 Site)
Lot No
5
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKF - East Midlands (England)
- UKG - West Midlands (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the Midlands.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 6 - North East and Yorkshire (1 Site)
Lot No
6
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKC - North East (England)
- UKE - Yorkshire and the Humber
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the North East and Yorkshire.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
two.2) Description
two.2.1) Title
Lot 7 - North West (1 Site)
Lot No
7
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 85100000 - Health services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKD - North West (England)
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, with one (1) site in the North West.
Providers may only bid for one Lot. Bids submitted for multiple lots will not be considered.
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
As a result of this procurement exercise an agreement will be established with the successful bidder(s) for a period of three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration 5 years).
The deadline for submissions is 12.00pm (noon) on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price is not the only award criterion and all criteria are stated only in the procurement documents
two.2.6) Estimated value
Value excluding VAT: £8,740,000
two.2.7) Duration of the contract, framework agreement or dynamic purchasing system
Start date
31 October 2025
End date
30 October 2030
This contract is subject to renewal
No
two.2.10) Information about variants
Variants will be accepted: No
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: Yes
Description of options
Following the initial 3 year contract period, there is an option to extend for up to an additional 2 year(s)
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
Open procedure
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
four.2) Administrative information
four.2.2) Time limit for receipt of tenders or requests to participate
Date
24 June 2025
Local time
12:00pm
four.2.4) Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted
English
four.2.6) Minimum time frame during which the tenderer must maintain the tender
Tender must be valid until: 21 December 2025
four.2.7) Conditions for opening of tenders
Date
24 June 2025
Local time
12:00pm
Section six. Complementary information
six.1) Information about recurrence
This is a recurrent procurement: Yes
six.3) Additional information
The key objectives of the Procurement are to commission eight (8) Tumour Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy Hubs for adult patients, for the provision of Lifileucel for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma, across seven (7) geographical lots as outlined below, to serve the population of England.
Lot 1: London (2 sites)
Lot 2: East of England (1 site)
Lot 3: South East (1 site)
Lot 4: South West (1 site)
Lot 5: Midlands (1 site)
Lot 6: North East and Yorkshire (1 site)
Lot 7: North West (1 site)
Bidders are to note that Providers must be located in and deliver services from the defined geographical area(s) that they are interested in providing services to.
Link to NHS England Regions:
NHS England » Regional teams (https://www.england.nhs.uk/about/regional-area-teams/).
Lifileucel is a first in class autologous tumour infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) cell therapy. This infusion is followed by a short course of interleukin-2 (IL-2). IL-2 is a potent drug and has the potential to cause significant side effects. As such, it is recommended that patients receive treatment at a Trust with immediate access to Intensive Therapy Unit (ITU).
Lifileucel is being assessed via NICE’s technology appraisal programme for previously treated unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults, with an expected final guidance publication date of 10th December 2025.
Link for the current NICE paperwork:
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/indevelopment/gid-ta10752
Providers are required to be an established site for the delivery of specialist skin cancer care that complies with the requirements as set out in the following specification: https://www.england.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Cancer-skin-adult.pdf
Providers must also;
• Have access to surgical expertise which enables them to perform tumour resections to obtain enough sample tissue for final product to be made.
• hold the appropriate Human Tissue Authority licences, which includes having the licence to cover the procurement, donor testing and exporting of the resected tissue.
• Have expertise in delivering and managing cellular therapies
• Have experience of managing the adverse effects of interleukin 2 inhibitors. Examples of these adverse events would be those similar to cytokine release syndrome and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome.
• Hold a Joint Accreditation Committee of ISCT and EBMT of the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (JACIE) Immune Effector Cells (IEC) accreditation or be working towards such accreditation.
• Be a Heamotopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation centre
Providers must be able to meet the requirements set out in this Competitive Process and deliver the contract in accordance with its terms.
To express interest and participate in the Competitive Process, please register and apply via Atamis esourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
Should Tenderers have any queries, or problems using the portal, they should contact the Helpdesk at:
Phone: 0800 9956035
E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk
The closing date for completed Competitive Process responses is 12:00pm (noon), on Tuesday 24th June 2025.
Atamis Project reference C41701
The contract duration is for three (3) years with the Commissioners having the option to extend for up to an additional two (2) year(s) (maximum contract duration five (5) years).
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) Contract Notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award.
The decision maker of the award will be: NHS England
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit
Cardinal Square, 10 Nottingham Road
Derby
DE1 3QT
Country
United Kingdom