Scope
Reference
prj_14629
Description
This requirement is for forensic analysis for the presence of drugs, on items seized from
HMPPS settings (including prisons and approved premises). At the time of publishing this
Notice, it is anticipated the service requirement would be for approximately 108 Public
Prisons and 105 Approved Premises across England & Wales, with a estimation of
approximately 6000 total item submissions per annum. This is a guide only and is subject to
change - no volumes will be guaranteed under the Contract.
Subject to final specification design, it is envisaged that the contract would provide
laboratory-based analysis of seized substances (liquid or solid) to identify the presence of:
- Controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- Substances under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016
- Prescription and pharmacy medicines
The intention is that the provider will hold a library of drugs that they can detect, including
the drugs outlined in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Psychoactive Substances Act
2016 as well as other substances. Where the provider has a certified standard in their drugs
library, the identity of the substance can be confirmed and where possible advise on the
nature of any other substance that could be identified through analysis.
The identification of substances will assist in tackling the conveyance and abuse of drugs
inside prisons and approved premises and provide an evidential basis for adjudication
proceedings.
Total value (estimated)
- £11,750,000 excluding VAT
- £14,100,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2030
- Possible extension to 31 March 2032
- 5 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
- 71620000 - Analysis services
Engagement
Engagement deadline
10 October 2025
Engagement process description
The Authority is keen to further engage with interested suppliers following the completion of a Market Engagement Questionnaire as part of a previous market engagement exercise undertaken in April 2025.
This engagement will take the form of a 1-1 Teams call where the Authority will ask further questions to support with the development of the procurement for this Service, building on responses received from those who completed the initial questionnaire. Questions will be provided to interested parties within a suitable timeframe prior to the call to aid in preparation for it.
Interested suppliers are requested to email MoJProcurement.Off@justice.gov.uk in the first instance to receive a list of available times/dates which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Timeslots are currently available between 1st October and 6th October (inclusive) however, the Authority reserves the right to extend the deadline for engagement dependent on interest received and whether it deems that further market engagement is required.
This Market Engagement exercise does not commit the Authority to a formal procurement.
Participation
Particular suitability
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 January 2026
Contracting authority
Ministry of Justice
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDNN-2773-HVYN
102 Petty France
London
SW1H 9AJ
United Kingdom
Email: CommercialStandards@justice.gov.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/ministry-of-justice/about/procurement
Region: UKI32 - Westminster
Organisation type: Public authority - central government