Scope
Reference
CSP25236
Description
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) has a requirement for its employees and for those who travel under its sponsorship to be medically screened and to have access both to doctors in the Antarctic and top-level medical cover advice, support and ultimate responsibility in the UK.
The on-going requirement is for the provision of a comprehensive medical service, including dental screening for its employees, visitors, collaborators and contractors working in the Antarctic, Arctic or on research vessels and supporting related aircraft. Similar provisions may be required from time to time at other locations worldwide where BAS has a scientific research interest.
The purpose of the MSP is to provide medical screening for employees and visitors and advice in advance of deployment primarily to the Polar regions; employ the doctors that BAS require to cover its Polar operations; advise on and supply the consumables required for our Antarctic surgeries; and to provide access to specialist consultants as required to help facilitate when possible and appropriate for input into medical situations befalling BAS staff undertaking field work in other locations.
The MSP is also responsible for design and provision of tailored first aid course for staff and visitors to the polar regions. Currently this takes the form of a course that all deploying staff undertake and a higher-level course for those deploying more remotely or independently.
Please contact professionalservices@uksbs.co.uk and mark for the attention of Victoria Clewer with the title CSP25236 - Medical Provision for the British Antarctic Survey for the draft specification which provides the full details of the requirement.
Interested suppliers are to refer to the 'Engagement process description' of this notice for full details of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice.
Total value (estimated)
- £1,200,000 excluding VAT
- £1,440,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2029
- Possible extension to 31 October 2030
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85100000 - Health services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- AQ - Antarctica
Engagement
Engagement deadline
19 August 2025
Engagement process description
The purpose of this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to assess the market's appetite, concerns and views on the formulation of the requirements.
To request the draft specification which provides the full details of the requirement, please contact professionalservices@uksbs.co.uk and mark for the attention of Victoria Clewer with the title CSP25236 - Medical Provision for the British Antarctic Survey for the draft specification which provides the full details of the requirement.
If, after reviewing the draft specification, you are interested in this requirement and can provide the services required please email professionalservices@uksbs.co.uk and mark for the attention of Victoria Clewer with the title CSP25236 - Medical Provision for the British Antarctic Survey no later than Tuesday 19th August 2025 16:00
If you can only part deliver the services specified in the draft specification please confirm the elements you can provide by contacting professionalservices@uksbs.co.uk and mark for the attention of Victoria Clewer with the title CSP25236 - Medical Provision for the British Antarctic Survey no later than Tuesday 19th August 2025 16:00.
By registering your interest and providing information you will be entering into non-competitive dialogue which will enable the Contracting Authority to develop and assess the market's appetite, concerns and view of the formulation if its requirements. The Contracting Authority may consider the information and responses received as part of the preliminary market consultant to help inform the specification and further decision making in relation to the planning and conduct of the proposed procurement, ensuring all valid options are considered.
Any information supplied as part of preliminary market consultation shall not place any supplier at an advantage in a potential procurement process.
Please note this is a draft specification and is subject to change.
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
15 September 2025
Contracting authority
UK Research and Innovation
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDQJ-7126-JDHG
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FL
United Kingdom
Email: commercial@ukri.org
Region: UKK14 - Swindon
Organisation type: Public authority - central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
UK Shared Business Services Ltd
Summary of their role in this procurement: Procurement
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PMPN-7535-GNTG
Polaris House, North Star Avenue
Swindon
SN2 1FF
United Kingdom
Region: UKK14 - Swindon