Scope
Reference
C352798
Description
The provision of a vaccine to protect against meningococcal B (MenB) disease, to be used in the national childhood immunisation programme, as well as a targeted programme to protect at risk adults against Gonorrhoea.
This notice provides an indication to the market of UKHSA's intention to enter into negotiations with GlaxoSmithKline (UK) Limited, with the objective of awarding a contract for the supply of the meningococcal group B vaccine, in accordance with JCVI advice.
Contract 1. Meningitis B Vaccine (2026)
Supplier
Contract value
- £0 excluding VAT
- £0 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
14 May 2026
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 October 2026 to 30 September 2028
- Possible extension to 30 September 2030
- 4 years
Description of possible extension:
The Authority has the option to extend for a period or periods of up to an additional 24 months, subject to negotiation.
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33651600 - Vaccines
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
The below known unknown risks have been identified, which may require modification of the contract under paragraph 5 of Schedule 8 to the PA 2023 if one of the below identified risks materialise.
Risk 1:
The COVID-19 pandemic led to lockdown events, which disrupted the distribution and uptake of some national immunisation campaigns. The forecast delivery and stock requirements were substantially changed as a result. An ongoing risk is the materialisation of a UK health emergency or global pandemic, which may materialise in any given year.
How the risk may impact on the performance of the contract:
A health emergency or pandemic may materially affect the uptake of the MenB vaccine. Continued delivery of the vaccine within the original term of the contract could jeopardise stock management and effective use of vaccines before expiry.
Why is it not possible to address the potential impact of such risks?
UKHSA and suppliers cannot reasonably predict the occurrence of a pandemic. UKHSA cannot determine an effective delivery schedule and contract term which would be effective during a pandemic to mitigate the risk of reduced uptake.
The possibility of contract modification if the risk materialises.
If a pandemic event or health emergency occurs, then it is highly likely that the contract may need to be modified.
Risk 2:
A new meningococcal strain materialises, which changes the demand for the contracted meningococcal vaccine requiring additional volumes to be procured to provide protection to expanded cohorts.
How the risk may impact on the performance of the contract.
Should there be an increase in demand, then the current ordered volumes and planned delivery schedules would not provide for an expansion in the number of cohorts which need to be covered with MenB immunisations.
Why is it not possible to address the potential impact of such risks?
UKHSA considers available information from experts within UKHSA, JCVI and DHSC. However, UKHSA cannot anticipate the requirements of an unknown risk. The costs to provide contingency volumes for an unknown risk would be disproportionate to the likelihood of the risk materialising.
The possibility of contract modification if the risk materialises:
It would be likely that the contract would be amended if a new meningococcal strain materialises.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Single supplier - intellectual property or exclusive rights
The following conditions are met in relation to the public contract under Schedule 5, Paragraph 5 (a, b) of the Procurement Act 2023-
(a) due to a particular supplier having intellectual property rights or other exclusive rights, only that supplier can supply the goods, services or works required, and
(b)there are no reasonable alternatives to those goods, services or works.
Supplier
GlaxoSmithKline UK Limited
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNVC-2547-YXMP
GSK HQ, 79 New Oxford Street
London
WC1A 1DG
United Kingdom
Email: customercontactuk@gsk.com
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Meningitis B Vaccine (2026)
Contracting authority
UK Health Security Agency
- NHS Organisation Data Service: U6N4T
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBMQ-7576-DVGW
10 South Colonnade
London
E14 4PU
United Kingdom
Email: vmc.vaccines@ukhsa.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government