Scope
Reference
NCCT42893
Description
Norfolk County Council are the relevant authority for the Norfolk Coroner's Service. We wish to enter into a contract to provide digital autopsy (CT scanning) services for the coroner for the county of Norfolk. Digital Autopsy/CT Scanning is used as first line intervention as an alternative to traditional post-mortem examinations within Norfolk. Patients are scanned via a CT Scanner and images from the scan are then used by specially trained radiologists and coroner's pathologists to assist in ascertaining a cause of death. It is anticipated that a cause of death can be ascertained in approximately 75% of cases where patients have been scanned. This avoids the need to use the more traditional invasive approach to post mortem in these cases.
Total value (estimated)
- £20,000,000 excluding VAT
- £22,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2036
- Possible extension to 31 March 2041
- 15 years
Description of possible extension:
Please Note - we have had to use a date for form filling purposes on the Find a Tender Service. However, we would expect the service to commence within 6 months of award of contract. The Contract may be extended by up to 60 months at the Council's discretion.
This service is dependent on need so it is not easy to get an accurate value. For the purpose of this exercise - the budget for providing post mortem examination services to the Norfolk Coroner is £1000000 per year fully inclusive of post mortem computed tomography examinations, pathologist fees and invasive post mortem examination fees (note: pathologist and hospital costs are separate contracts and not included in this tender)
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 33115100 - CT scanners
- 85111800 - Pathology services
- 85150000 - Medical imaging services
Contract locations
- UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
- UKH16 - North and West Norfolk
- UKH17 - Breckland and South Norfolk
Participation
Legal and financial capacity conditions of participation
The Council will be assessing the legal, financial and technical ability of bidders to perform the contract being procured as set out in the Invitation to Tender. This assessment includes past experience, financial suitability, health and safety, modern slavery and references. These are all designated as pass/fail criteria.
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
20 December 2025, 10:00am
Tender submission deadline
20 January 2026, 11:00am
Submission address and any special instructions
This procurement will be managed electronically via
the Council`s e-procurement system. To participate
in this procurement and gain access to documents
when they are available, applicants must first be
registered on the system at https://intendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc (https://intendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc). Full instructions for
registration and use of the system can be found at
https://intendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc/aspx/BuyerProfiles
(https://in-tendhost.co.uk/norfolkcc/aspx/BuyerProfiles).
Once registered you will be able to see the
procurement project under the `tenders` section
and `express an interest` in this tender. If you
encounter any difficulties whilst using the system
you can contact the In-tend support team by
phoning +44 8442728810 or emailing support@in-tend.co.uk.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
16 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery of PMCT scanning service per case. | Price | 40% |
| Model of Service | Quality | 20% |
| Mobilisation | Quality | 12.5% |
| Monitoring Quality and Performance | Quality | 10% |
| Resilience and business continuity | Quality | 10% |
| Staff | Quality | 7.5% |
Other information
Description of risks to contract performance
Please note that both Norfolk County Council and Suffolk County Council have approved a devolution deal which is expected to lead to the establishment of a Mayoral Combined County Authority with strategic powers, headed by an elected mayor. Subject to the government laying a Statutory Instrument and to its approval by Parliament to formally establish the new combined authority, the first Mayoral election is expected to be in May 2026. Government has also invited participation by Norfolk in Local Government Review. This process has the potential to lead to unitary local government in Norfolk. The contract may be assigned or novated to any successor authority(ies) to Norfolk County Council or to any joint body incorporating or formed by any such successor. The County Council or a successor authority or joint body may order services on behalf of other local authorities serving any area within Norfolk's current geographical boundaries.
Please note that the value of the contract is estimate as it is dependent on usage.
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Special regime
Light touch
Documents
Associated tender documents
NCCT42893-Tender 17.11.25.docx
NCC Professional Services Form of Agreement.doc
Schedule 1 Service Specification (the brief).zip
Contracting authority
Norfolk County Council
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDYH-3246-XWTR
County Hall, Martineau Lane
Norwich
NR1 2DH
United Kingdom
Email: sourcingteam@norfolk.gov.uk
Region: UKH15 - Norwich and East Norfolk
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government