Pipeline

Forensic analysis of seized items in HMPPS settings

  • Ministry of Justice

UK1: Pipeline notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-023439

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-04fe70 (view related notices)

Published 20 May 2025, 4:20pm



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

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2031
  • 5 years

Main category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 71900000 - Laboratory services
  • 71620000 - Analysis services

Contract locations

  • UK - United Kingdom

Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Submission

Publication date of tender notice (estimated)

1 September 2025


Procedure

Above or below total value threshold

Above or equal to threshold


Contracting authority

Ministry of Justice

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNN-2773-HVYN

102 Petty France

London

SW1H 9AJ

United Kingdom

Region: UKI32 - Westminster

Organisation type: Public authority - central government