Scope
Reference
BLC0300
Description
Merseyside Police, on behalf of the Northwest Regional Toxicology Facility (NW RTF) collaboration (Merseyside, Cheshire, North Wales, Cumbria & Lancashire) are exploring options for the future operation of its forensic toxicology laboratory.
The current laboratory does not currently hold appropriate UKAS accreditation but does have qualified and experienced staff in post. The lab will provide evidential analysis and reporting under the Road Toxicology Act Section 5a.
This preliminary market engagement aims to understand interest, capability and explore potential delivery models, including purchase of the facility to support the transition, accreditation and ongoing operation of the laboratory.
Merseyside Police, on behalf of the NW RTF collaboration invites interested parties to this event and are particularly interested in exploring the following areas:
Relevant experience in achieving and maintaining accreditation
Proposed delivery models and approach to transition
Indicative timelines and key milestones
Governance and risk management approach
Resource plan
Commercial structures and models
Demand and cost analysis
This engagement process does not constitute a call for competition or a commitment to proceed with procurement and is being used solely to explore potential delivery models and inform procurement strategy.
Please ignore the contract start and end dates. These are mandatory fields but are not applicable at this stage.
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026
- 1 year
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 71900000 - Laboratory services
- 75241100 - Police services
- 79700000 - Investigation and security services
Contract locations
- UKI32 - Westminster
Engagement
Engagement deadline
16 October 2025
Engagement process description
Engagement meetings will be held with each supplier individually who wishes to discuss this in more detail. The meetings will take place via teams on Thursday 16th October.
Please visit https://sell2.in-tend.co.uk/blpd/home to register on the BlueLight Commercial e-tendering platform.
Once registered, please navigate to Portals in the top right of the screen and log in to BlueLight Commercial Portal. Then search for BLC0300.
If you would like to attend a meeting please send a message via the correspondence option on In-Tend by close of play Tuesday 14th October.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Contracting authority
Police & Crime Commissioner for Merseyside and Chief Constable for Merseyside
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBLY-7223-BPGL
Merseyside Police Headquarters
Liverpool
L3 3AN
United Kingdom
Region: UKD72 - Liverpool
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
Bluelight Commercial Limited
Summary of their role in this procurement: Organising the market engagement on behalf of Merseyside Police.
- Companies House: 12517649
Lower Ground 5-8 The Sanctuary
London
SW1P 3JS
United Kingdom
Region: UKI32 - Westminster