Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Colney Lane
Norwich
NR4 7UY
Contact
James Anderson
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
Internet address(es)
Main address
Buyer's address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Health
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
Storage and Distribution of Cellular Therapy Products Autologous Service Provision
Reference number
C378402
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 85111810 - Blood analysis services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
Contract for storage and distribution of stem cells
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.1.7) Total value of the procurement (excluding VAT)
Value excluding VAT: £200,000
two.2) Description
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UKH1 - East Anglia
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
Services to include processing and storage of stem cells
This notice is an intention to award a contract under the PSR Most Suitable Provider process.
The approximate lifetime value of this contract will be £200,000.
This is an existing service
This will be a new provider
The services will be provided between 1st February 2026 and 31st March 2027.
two.2.5) Award criteria
Price
two.2.11) Information about options
Options: No
two.2.13) Information about European Union Funds
The procurement is related to a project and/or programme financed by European Union funds: No
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.1) Type of procedure
Award of a contract without prior publication of a call for competition in the cases listed below
- The procurement falls outside the scope of application of the regulations
Explanation:
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to decision makers by [Add date]. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR'
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes
Section five. Award of contract
A contract/lot is awarded: Yes
five.2) Award of contract
five.2.1) Date of conclusion of the contract
19 August 2025
five.2.2) Information about tenders
Number of tenders received: 1
The contract has been awarded to a group of economic operators: No
five.2.3) Name and address of the contractor
NHS BLOOD AND TRANSPLANT (NHSBT)
500 North Bristol Park, Filton, Bristol
Bristol
BS34 7QH
Telephone
+44 7764280366
Country
United Kingdom
NUTS code
- UK - United Kingdom
National registration number
972779
Internet address
http://www.cromalocksmiths.com
The contractor is an SME
Yes
five.2.4) Information on value of contract/lot (excluding VAT)
Initial estimated total value of the contract/lot: £200,000
Lowest offer: £200,000 / Highest offer: £200,000 taken into consideration
Section six. Complementary information
six.3) Additional information
This is a Provider Selection Regime (PSR) intention to award notice. The awarding of this contract is subject to the Health Care Services (Provider Selection Regime) Regulations 2023. For the avoidance of doubt, the provisions of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 do not apply to this award. The standstill period begins on the day after the publication of this notice. Representations by providers must be made to the relevant authority by [Add date]. This contract has not yet formally been awarded; this notice serves as an intention to award under the PSR.
Communication can be directed to james.anderson@nnuh.nhs.uk
The award decision makers include the Business Manager, Contracts Manager, Procurement Manager, and representation from the Operational teams.
There are no declared conflicts or potential conflicts of interest of individuals making the decision.
1) Quality and Innovation
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has a well-established reputation for delivering services that meet international standards, including support for JACIE-accredited centres. Their expertise in specialist techniques such as CD34+ cell selection, red blood cell depletion, and viability testing contributes directly to improving clinical safety and precision. The service is underpinned by strong quality assurance processes and full traceability, ensuring that patients benefit from safe, reliable and compliant stem cell processing.
2) Value
NHSBT provides a competitively priced service which includes cryopreservation, storage, and a comprehensive suite of testing. Their pricing model offers transparency and good value for money, with bundled services helping to reduce administrative burden and streamline processes. The inclusion of additional services such as donor testing and pre/post-processing enumeration adds further value without extra cost, supporting both operational efficiency and affordability.
3) Integration, Collaboration and Service Sustainability
The service is well aligned with the needs of both NNUH and James Paget University Hospital, with NHSBT already working in partnership with multiple NHS Trusts. Their ability to integrate into existing care pathways and respond flexibly to clinical demands will make them a reliable supplier. The long-term viability of the service will be supported by robust infrastructure, shared systems, and a commitment to continuity of care across the Norfolk and Waveney System.
4) Improving Access, Reducing Health Inequalities and Facilitating Choice
Faster processing and testing times mean patients can access treatment more quickly, which is particularly important in time-sensitive transplant cases. NHSBT’s national infrastructure supports equitable access for patients at the NNUH, helping to reduce health inequalities across the Norfolk and Waveney area - in particular for patients from more remote or underserved areas. This in turn increases patient choice and ensures fairer access to specialist treatment.
5) Social Value
NHSBT delivers strong social value through investment in training, development, and local workforce support. They are actively involved in delivering against NHS sustainability goals, including reducing waste and supporting lower-carbon logistics. Their ethical sourcing policies and commitment to workforce wellbeing also contribute positively to the wider objectives of the NNUH and the NHS as a whole.
six.4) Procedures for review
six.4.1) Review body
NHS England
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
england.commercialqueries@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom
Internet address
six.4.2) Body responsible for mediation procedures
NHS England
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
england.commercialqueries@nhs.net
Country
United Kingdom