Scope
Description
FIT TESTING SERVICE - THIS IS A PRELIMINARY MARKET ENGAGEMENT NOTICE ONLY FOR THE PURPOSES OF IDENTIFYING SUPPLIERS TO TAKE PART IN EARLY MARKET ENGAGEMENT AND IS NOT A CALL FOR COMPETITION
Barts Health NHS Trust is currently undertaking preliminary market engagement and considering various route to market options in order to run a successful procurement process for their future fit testing requirements.
The purpose of the Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is for early engagement with the market prior to undertaking a formal tender process which is anticipated to commence in Early 2026. This is in support to develop the requirements for the provision of a Fit Testing Service.
The engagement will also cover some broader areas which support developing the approach to the procurement, conditions of participation, identifying suppliers and building capacity in the market. The outcome of the market engagement will assist in refining its high-level requirements to feed into the tender documentation. We will be seeking input from the supply market to inform our requirements, to help formulate our specification for the services and help identify routes to market.
Initial scope of the Fit Testing Service. High-volume fit testing of Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) within an acute healthcare setting. Able to provide onsite services in areas relevant to E1 1FR / EC1A 7BS / E11 1NR / E13 8SL. Minimum of one dedicated Fit-2-Fit accredited tester, with the capacity to provide additional Fit-2-Fit accredited testers during surge demands and in response to emerging threats (potentially up to 20 Fit-2-Fit accredited testers). Fit-2-Fit accreditation in the quantitative Ambient Particle Counting (APC) methodology. Ability to provide own test equipment, including calibration requirements. Ability to provide access to fit testing records via a secure online portal. Relevant standards, INDG479, HSG53, PPN 06/20, and PPN 002.
Total value (estimated)
- £235,000 excluding VAT
- £282,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- Possible extension to 31 March 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71317200 - Health and safety services
- 18143000 - Protective gear
Contract locations
- UKI31 - Camden and City of London
- UKI41 - Hackney and Newham
- UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
- UKI53 - Redbridge and Waltham Forest
Engagement
Engagement deadline
31 October 2025
Engagement process description
If you are interested in supporting Barts Health NHS Trust with this engagement, please respond to ian.longhurst@nhs.net and you will be emailed a pre-market engagement questionnaire. The closing date for pre-market engagement questionnaire returns will be midday on Friday 31 October 2025.
Barts Health NHS Trust are committed to ensuring fairness, openness and transparency. The notice is issued solely for the purpose of conducting preliminary market engagement. Interested parties will not be prejudiced or advantaged by any response or lack thereof. This notice does not constitute a call for competition to procure any services, supplies or works for Barts Health NHS Trust. Barts Health NHS Trust are not liable for any costs, fees, or expenses incurred by any party in replying to the notice.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
30 January 2026
Contracting authority
Barts Health NHS Trust
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PVTL-5832-LMDG
20 Churchill Place, Canary Wharf
London
E14 5HJ
United Kingdom
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government