Scope
Description
The NMC wishes to appoint a provider(s) to undertake Toxicology services where there is complaint about a registrant's health or misconduct. In addition, we wish to appoint a provider(s) to undertake medical examiner services for our registration and fitness to practise proceedings. Lastly, we (the NMC) wish to appoint a provider(s) of nursing and midwifery experts who are trained and able to provide independent opinion regarding care provided by registrants who receive complaints about their fitness to practise.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,916,666.67 excluding VAT
- £3,500,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2025 to 30 September 2027
- Possible extension to 30 September 2029
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
Two extensions available for this contract. Extension 1 for a period of one year (12 months) Extension 2 for a period of one year (12 months)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
- 85121200 - Medical specialist services
- 85148000 - Medical analysis services
- 85120000 - Medical practice and related services
- 80320000 - Medical education services
- 85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories
- 71319000 - Expert witness services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Lot constraints
Maximum number of lots a supplier can bid for: 2
Maximum number of lots a supplier can be awarded: 2
Description of how multiple lots may be awarded:
Bidders should note that the NMC is looking to appoint one supplier only per Lot. But bidders are open to apply for one or more Lots.
Lot 1. Lot 1 Toxicology
Description
Lot 1 - Provision of Toxicology Services (Drug and Alcohol Testing) Outcome/Objective The NMC's objective is that the provider will provide: - An efficient, kind and collaborative service of medical testing which takes account of registrant needs; - accurate and reliable toxicology assessment and - clear, concise and informative reports of the results of the assessment.
Lot value (estimated)
- £416,666.67 excluding VAT
- £500,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 2. Lot 2 Medical Examiners
Description
Lot 2 - Provision of Medical Examiner Services Outcome/Objective The NMC's objective is that the provider will provide: - An efficient, kind and collaborative service of medical examination service which takes account of registrant needs; - Safely obtain and handle sensitive material required to perform the examination; - Competent and detailed medical examination; - Clear, concise and informative medical reports which address the questions posed by the NMC and - Attend hearings to give evidence in formal legal proceedings as required.
Lot value (estimated)
- £2,083,333.33 excluding VAT
- £2,500,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Lot 3. Lot 3 Expert witnesses
Description
Lot 3 - Provision of Expert Witness Services Outcome/Objective The NMC's objective is that the provider will: - Handle sensitive material in accordance with GDPR requirements; - Provide CPR 35 compliant written expert reports which address the questions posed by the NMC and - Attend hearings to give evidence in formal legal proceedings as required.
Lot value (estimated)
- £416,666.67 excluding VAT
- £500,000 including VAT
Same for all lots
CPV classifications, contract locations and contract dates are shown in the Scope section, because they are the same for all lots.
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
Lot 1. Lot 1 Toxicology
Lot 2. Lot 2 Medical Examiners
Lot 3. Lot 3 Expert witnesses
N/A
Technical ability conditions of participation
Lot 1. Lot 1 Toxicology
Lot 2. Lot 2 Medical Examiners
Lot 3. Lot 3 Expert witnesses
N/A
Particular suitability
Lot 1. Lot 1 Toxicology
Lot 2. Lot 2 Medical Examiners
Lot 3. Lot 3 Expert witnesses
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
27 June 2025, 12:00pm
Tender submission deadline
4 July 2025, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
Reponses to the tender are to be completed electronically using the e-sourcing portal Atamis. https://atamis-5621.my.site.com/login ('e-Sourcing Portal'). The e-Sourcing Portal provides a web-based tool that enables the NMC and Bidders to conduct the strategic activities of the procurement lifecycle over the internet. It provides a simple, secure and efficient means for managing tendering and quotation activities, reducing the time and effort required for the NMC and potential providers / suppliers. Please note the following project name and reference number allocated to this procurement process ('Procurement') within the e-Sourcing Portal: Project Name: Provision of Regulator Medical Support Services Project Reference: C1481
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
22 September 2025
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 1 June 2029
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality Questions | Method Statement Questions |
Quality | 60.00% |
| Price | Pricing Schedule |
Price | 40.00% |
Other information
Payment terms
30 days of the date of receipt of the relevant invoice
Description of risks to contract performance
N/A
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Justification for not publishing a preliminary market engagement notice
Having previously tendered these services NMC is aware that this is a limited market place. On researching the current market space this is still the case therefore knowing the competition NMC feels there is no reason for a pre-market engagement exercise.
Contracting authority
The Nursing and Midwifery Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PHCH-9173-QTMH
23 Portland Place
London
W1B 1PZ
United Kingdom
Contact name: Procurement
Telephone: 020 7333 9333
Email: procurement@nmc-uk.org
Website: https://www.nmc.org.uk/
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government