Planning

NHS England Prior Approval System

  • NHS England

UK2: Preliminary market engagement notice - Procurement Act 2023 - view information about notice types

Notice identifier: 2025/S 000-037008

Procurement identifier (OCID): ocds-h6vhtk-055810

Published 3 July 2025, 10:02am



Scope

Description

This Pre-Procurement exercise is an opportunity for Interested suppliers to inform and influence our approach, including technical considerations, suitable budgets and timelines, by completing the Request for Information (RFI) documents. We are particularly keen to hear from suppliers who have the capability to develop a system/service that has the functionality and flexibility to meets user and business needs in a complex and changing health environment. This is well suited to SMEs who have capability with digital health tools. The objective of NHS Prior Approval System is to ensure that particular, high-cost treatments are only funded by NHS England when patients meet defined treatment criteria and are therefore able to receive the most benefit from the use of the drug or device. All prior approvals are time-limited and clinicians must confirm treatment effectiveness before approving the continued use of a high-cost drug/device/ treatment. NHS England Specialised Commissioning (national and regional teams) uses this system to support both Managed Access Funds - the Cancer Drugs Fund and the Innovative Medicines Fund - and Routine Commissioning. Healthcare providers are required to seek approval of a specific high-cost drug/ device/ treatment ahead of treatment commencing or to continue the use of a previously approved drug/ device/ treatment. A full description of the requirements for the NHS England Prior Approval System can be access in the Request for Information Documents, linked to this Notice.

Total value (estimated)

  • £0 excluding VAT
  • £0 including VAT

Above the relevant threshold

Contract dates (estimated)

  • 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
  • 2 years

Main procurement category

Services

CPV classifications

  • 72212100 - Industry specific software development services
  • 72000000 - IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Engagement

Engagement deadline

23 July 2025

Engagement process description

Suppliers interested in this opportunity are requested to complete the Request for Information (RFI) document Appendix A related to the Prior Approval System Clarification questions and responses must be submitted via the NHS England's e-Tendering portal, Atamis. The RFI documents and questionnaire can be found on Atamis by searching for " C372360 RFI - Prior Approval System". To register on the NHS England's e-Tendering portal and to access this opportunity, please go to https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome. You can then search for the opportunity and access any further information. A webinar will be held on Tuesday 15th July 2025 at 2pm (BST) for 1 hour to further explain the requirements and aims of the programme. To book a slot for the webinar, please submit your details using the link below. https://www.events.england.nhs.uk/events/prior-approval-system-rfi-webinar The deadline for submitting questions relating to this RFI will be 17:00 21st July 2025. This preliminary market engagement exercise is due for return by 17:00 23rd July 2025. If you experience any difficulties accessing the documents, please write to england.supplier@nhs.net


Participation

Particular suitability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)


Contracting authority

NHS England

  • Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDPT-3135-BWWY

Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd

London

SE1 8UG

United Kingdom

Region: UKI45 - Lambeth

Organisation type: Public authority - central government