Scope
Reference
GPhC145
Description
About Us
The General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), a not-for-profit organisation established under the Pharmacy Order 2010, is 1 of 13 Health and Social Care Regulators within the United Kingdom. We regulate Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and pharmacies in Great Britain, and it is our role to ensure that the public receive safe and effective pharmacy care.
At present, we register c.66,000 Pharmacists, c.27,000 Pharmacy Technicians and c.13,500 pharmacy premises; with c.300 employees, alongside c.380 Associates and Partners working to support the enablement of statutory functions under the governance of our Council.
What We Do
o Protect the public and provide assurance for the receipt of safe and effective care when using pharmacy services.
o Maintain a register of Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians, and pharmacies.
o Approve and accredit qualifications and training for Pharmacists, Pharmacy Technicians and pharmacy Support Staff.
o Set standards for pharmacy professionals and pharmacies to enter and remain on our register.
o Request pharmacy professionals and pharmacies provide evidence that they are continuing to meet our standards, including conducting inspections to verify proof(s) given.
o Investigate concerns and where necessary to protect patients and the public, or to uphold public confidence in pharmacy, take action to restrict one's ability to practise.
o Promote professionalism and support continuous improvement, thus assuring quality and safety of pharmacy.
Total value (estimated)
- £157,000 including VAT
Below the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 5 February 2026 to 4 February 2028
- Possible extension to 4 February 2032
- 6 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 38434520 - Blood analysers
- 71319000 - Expert witness services
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
- 85111810 - Blood analysis services
- 85121200 - Medical specialist services
- 85148000 - Medical analysis services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
2 September 2025
Engagement process description
The GPhC wishes to inform the market of our intention to procure the provision of Toxicology Services - Drug and Alcohol Testing.
Where there are concerns regarding physical or mental health, specifically drug and alcohol misuse, the GPhC may necessitate a Pharmacy Registrant (donor) undergo medical assessment, forming part of a wider Fitness to Practise investigation.
In such cases, Toxicology Services (drug and alcohol testing) will be required to ascertain:
i. if substance(s), as specified by the GPhC, have been used by the donor.
ii. if substance(s), as specified by the GPhC, are being used by the donor.
Moreover, a Registrant may also be required to enter a period of 'medical supervision' - monitoring to confirm compliance with any restrictions on their registration. Here, Toxicology Services (drug and alcohol testing) will be required to verify fulfilment of conditions set.
The purpose of this notice is to raise awareness of our upcoming Request for Quotation sourcing activity, gauge accurate levels of market interest, and receive feedback on prospective plans/requirements in advance of the formal procurement process; to be announced in October 2025.
Scope of services will include, the:
1. Supply of Phlebotomists and Specimen Collectors -throughout Great Britain- to collect donor samples: hair (head and body), nail, saliva, blood and urine.
2. Undertaking of sample drug testing for, but not limited to amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabinoids, cocaine, hallucinogens, hypnotic substances, ketamine, mephedrone, methadone, methamphetamines (including MDMA and MDEA), novel psychoactive substances, opiates, opioids, sedatives, steroids and tramadol.
3. Undertaking of sample alcohol -ethanol- testing; including phosphatidyl ethanol (PEth), carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE) biomarkers, and ethyl glucuronide (EtG).
4. Undertaking of liver blood testing, formerly known as liver function tests (LFT).
5. Undertaking of full blood count testing (FBC), including mean corpuscular volume testing (MCV).
6. Secure email provision of sample analysis results within 3 working days; including the provision of supplementary reports which interpret results in an accessible (free from technical jargon, where possible), clear and concise manner.
7. Provision of a Certificate of Analysis (CoA).
8. Provision of testimony in the capacity of an Independent Expert Witness (where donor samples are tested for legal purposes). N.B. the Service Provider remains responsible for ensuring staff are adequately trained to undertake this requirement, if requested.
Please note, samples are to be collected at a donors' home residence, or a neutral site as determined by the Service Provider.
We kindly ask that all interested suppliers complete and submit the response form (please see corresponding Planned Procurement Notice) to Anna Kitoki, at procurement@pharmacyregulation.org by 17:00 on 02.09.2025.
Any interest shown does not constitute a commitment to participate; and failure to show interest does not restrict suppliers from participating in this and/or any other procurement process run by the GPhC.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
20 October 2025
Contracting authority
General Pharmaceutical Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXRY-5513-YMDN
Level 14, One Cabot Square, Canary Wharf
London
E14 4QJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government