Scope
Reference
CAV-DIR (25-26) 110
Description
Following the relocation of the All Wales Genomics Laboratory Service (AWMGS) to Cardiff Edge-a strategic move designed to strengthen long-term service capacity and foster innovation-the service has experienced a significant backlog of genetic tests.
This backlog has arisen due to the complexities involved in transitioning laboratory operations, revalidating testing protocols, and managing sustained growth in clinical demand across Wales.
Although progress has been made in stabilising operations since the move, current in-house capacity remains insufficient to consistently meet the turnaround times required for timely, accurate, and equitable patient diagnosis. To reduce the risk of delayed diagnoses and potential impacts on patient outcomes, it is necessary to continue outsourcing genetic testing to SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U until April 2026.
This extension will allow AWMGS to recover operationally, maintain continuity of service delivery, uphold clinical standards, and ensure that patients across Wales have fair and timely access to essential genetic testing services.
Failure to maintain this outsourced provision would place the laboratory in an unrecoverable operational position, with serious consequences for service resilience and patient care.
Contract 1. Outsourcing of Genetic testing
Supplier
Contract value
- £660,000 excluding VAT
- £732,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
24 November 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 December 2025 to 30 May 2026
- 5 months, 30 days
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 85145000 - Services provided by medical laboratories
Contract locations
- UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Extending the contract with SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U introduces risks such as dependency on a single supplier, potential cost variations, and the need for strict compliance with data protection and clinical governance standards. Any disruption in supplier performance could affect turnaround times and patient care, while prolonged outsourcing may delay full restoration of in-house capacity. These risks will be managed through robust contract governance, defined KPIs, regular performance reviews, and a clear exit strategy aligned with AWMGS recovery objectives.
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
- Single supplier - technical reasons
- Single supplier - unique work of art or performance
The All Wales Genomics Laboratory Service (AWMGS) is currently unable to meet required turnaround times for genetic testing due to limited in-house capacity following its relocation to Cardiff Edge. The transition has involved complex operational changes, including revalidation of testing protocols and adaptation to increased clinical demand across Wales.
To avoid delays in diagnosis and maintain clinical standards, outsourcing remains essential. SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U is the only supplier capable of providing the specific genetic testing services required within the necessary timeframes and quality standards. Their established infrastructure, validated processes, and ability to integrate with AWMGS workflows make them uniquely positioned to deliver continuity of service without compromising patient care.
The genetic testing services provided by SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U are highly specialised and cannot be replicated by alternative providers without significant risk to accuracy, timeliness, and compliance. Their bespoke testing protocols, validated against AWMGS requirements, represent a unique combination of technical expertise, operational capacity, and quality assurance that is critical for equitable patient access across Wales.
Disrupting this arrangement would jeopardise service resilience and patient outcomes, as no other provider can deliver this level of integrated performance within the required timeframe.
Supplier
SNB Diagnostics Globales S.A.U
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBDR-4853-HXYZ
Street Verge de Guadalupe 18
Barcelona
08950
Spain
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1. Outsourcing of Genetic testing
Contracting authority
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PPPR-7969-BTJG
Woodland House, Maes-y-Coed Road
Cardiff
CF14 4HH
United Kingdom
Contact name: Nicola Williams
Telephone: +442921500649
Email: Nicola.williams33@wales.nhs.com
Website: http://nwssp.nhs.wales/ourservices/procurement-services/
Region: UKL22 - Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government
Devolved regulations that apply: Wales
Other organisation
These organisations are carrying out the procurement, or part of it, on behalf of the contracting authorities.
NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust)
Summary of their role in this procurement: The NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership (NWSSP) plays a vital role in supporting NHS Wales by delivering a wide range of professional, technical, and administrative services. It is hosted by Velindre University NHS Trust, which means Velindre provides the governance and infrastructure to support NWSSP's operations, but NWSSP itself serves all NHS organisations across Wales.
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXWV-6492-CGMN
4-5 Charnwood Court Heol Billingsley
Cardiff
CF15 7QZ
United Kingdom
Region: UKL15 - Central Valleys