Scope
Reference
C350958
Description
The RCI laboratories in NHSBT provide a range of reference services to hospitals, focusing on ensuring safe and effective blood transfusions by diagnosing and managing complex issues related to red blood cells. Antibody (anti-D and anti-c) quantification is a vital component of RCI service, predominantly providing service to NHS hospitals. The test results play a crucial role in guiding the clinical management of alloimmunised ANC patients' by predicting the risk of haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn and triggering referral to an FMU specialist, In addition, quantification is used to assist in the laboratory differentiation of immune anti-D from passive anti-D Ig This specialised test conducted in 4 of the 7 RCI laboratories (namely Birmingham, Colindale, Liverpool and Newcastle). RCI processes approximately 10,000 tests annually. The test is vital for identifying levels of alloimmune and prophylactic anti-D, as well as alloimmune anti-c in obstetric and other referrals.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,800,000 excluding VAT
- £2,160,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 11 April 2026 to 12 April 2033
- Possible extension to 12 April 2036
- 10 years, 2 days
Description of possible extension:
Three additional years available as monthly or cumulative extensions.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
- 33140000 - Medical consumables
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
The final requirements will be set out in the Tender Notice (UK04) and the Tender Documents when published (estimated 2nd September 2025).
Technical ability conditions of participation
The final requirements will be set out in the Tender Notice (UK04) and the Tender Documents when published (estimated 2nd September 2025).
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
2 September 2025
Enquiry deadline
10 September 2025, 12:00pm
Submission type
Tenders
Tender submission deadline
12 September 2025, 5:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
n
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
6 January 2026
Recurring procurement
Publication date of next tender notice (estimated): 3 June 2032
Other information
Payment terms
30 day payment terms apply
Description of risks to contract performance
Unforeseen Regulatory Changes for NHS Blood and Transplant or the Supplier (or principal Subcontractors) which may impact volume or type of activity. Unforeseen changes necessitated by General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which may impact volume of activity.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Procedure
Procedure type
Competitive flexible procedure
Competitive flexible procedure description
This Procurement is being run under a multi-stage Competitive Flexible procedure pursuant to section 20(2)(b) of the Procurement Act 2023 to establish a single supplier contract. It is the intention of the Authority to follow a two-stage process under this procedure as follows. However, the Authority retains the right to amend the stages if required throughout the process. This includes amending the number of stages or re-running a stage of the process. Tender Stage 1: Publish tender notice and tender documents Receive tenders Assess tenders to shortlist those to be invited to Stage 2 Notify shortlisted suppliers (Top 2 Scoring Tenders) and invite to Stage 2. Tender Stage 2: Conduct presentations Assess presentations Conduct a negotiation Award Stage: Notify suppliers and issue assessment summaries Publish contract award notice and commence standstill Award contract Further information shall be found in the tender documents at the Invitation to Tender stage.
Reduced tendering period
Yes
Qualifying planned procurement notice - minimum 10 days
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Coco Otiotio
Telephone: +44 73854 35288
Email: coco.otiotio@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Website: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government