Scope
Description
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is considering procurement of a multi-year contract for the provision of rapid freezing technology. The technology is required to rapidly and simultaneously freeze a large number of blood packs and/or bottles containing human plasma from processed whole blood donations or from apheresis plasma collections. This plasma is targeted either for use in plasma fractionation or for direct patient transfusion.
Solution must include:
o The procurement must provide the required equipment, installation and any additional works required
o Service and maintenance contract
o Some exceptions may apply (example EMS integration)
• Key objectives and expected outcomes:
o Rapid plasma freezer supplied to freeze plasma and meet specifications documented in SPN342 - Processing Timelines and Component Guidelines and SPN1479 - specification for a Bulk Rapid Plasma Freezer
o Ensure equipment meets throughput demand with minimal down time
o Procure equipment that can be utilised in a department that runs 24 hours/ 365 days per year
o Contract that can accommodate future requirements
o Supply and maintain equipment anywhere in England
o Response times that both parties can agree (must be able to maintain throughput)
o NHSBT need the capability to validate the equipment as part of tender exercise and for final use
o The requirement to extract freeze cycle data and the ability to interact with 2D barcode scanning or RFID
o Schedule of replacement, installation and delivery must enable current throughput to be maintained
o Reliable freezer which is easily maintained and serviceable
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £1,500,000 excluding VAT
- £1,800,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2030
- 4 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33100000 - Medical equipments
- 39711124 - Industrial freezers
- 42513100 - Freezing equipment
Engagement
Engagement deadline
4 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 February 2026
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jo Murphy
Telephone: 01179212718
Email: jo.murphy@nhsbt.nhs.uk
Website: https://www.nhsbt.nhs.uk/
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government