Scope
Description
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is seeking to engage with suppliers to inform the strategic development and potential future procurement of laboratory analyser platforms supporting routine and specialist testing. This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice invites suppliers to participate in market engagement sessions to present products and services.
Scope:
Engagement covers, but is not limited to:
- Full Blood Count (FBC) analysers including any additional elements such as automated differentials and reticulocyte analysis.
- Middleware, LIS connectivity
- Automation (tracking)
- Consumables, reagents
- Service/support options
Purpose of Engagement:
These sessions are intended to provide NHSBT with market intelligence, demonstrate current capability, inform specification development and procurement planning. This is not a procurement or invitation to tender; rather, it is an early market engagement activity to guide potential future tenders.
Expected Outcomes:
NHSBT aims to:
- Understand available technologies and configurations
- Assess supplier service models and UK support infrastructure
- Identify potential cost models, reagent strategies (closed/open), and managed service options
- Build procurement timelines and draft technical specifications for any future tender
Suppliers wishing to participate should register via the NHSBT Commercial Team by contacting Jo.Murphy@nhsbt.nhs.uk by 11th November 2025. Registration should include a brief company profile and proposed product platforms to present. Additional questions will be provided upon registering interest.
Total value (estimated)
- £2,500,000 excluding VAT
- £3,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 September 2026 to 31 August 2031
- Possible extension to 31 August 2033
- 7 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 38434570 - Haematology analysers
- 38434000 - Analysers
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
- 38434520 - Blood analysers
- 33124100 - Diagnostic devices
Engagement
Engagement deadline
11 November 2025
Engagement process description
Sessions are for information gathering only. Suppliers should ensure any shared information is non-confidential or clearly marked if confidential. NHSBT will not reimburse suppliers for preparation or travel. Further instructions and session agendas will be provided following registration.
Engagement sessions will be held virtually via MS Teams.
Estimated engagement period: November or December 2025. Specific dates and times will be shared with registered suppliers.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 April 2026
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government