Scope
Reference
GEL-HE-25401
Description
To provide comprehensive process and impact evaluation services for the Newborns Genome Programme ("Generation Study"). The required services include conducting interviews with designers and early implementers of the Generation Study, administering surveys and follow-up interviews with parents twelve months after completion of the initial survey, and undertaking micro-costing analyses to assess changes in resource use and costs as the programme scales. All data collection and analysis shall be performed using approved qualitative and quantitative methods, under the oversight of the Study Advisory Group and the Patient and Public Involvement and Engagement (PPIE) Advisory Group.
Contract 1
Supplier
Contract value
- £1,400,000 excluding VAT
- £1,680,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Earliest date the contract will be signed
11 December 2025
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 April 2026 to 31 March 2028
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Other information
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Direct award
Direct award justification
Additional or repeat goods, services or works - extension or partial replacement
The Contracting Authority proposes to award the contract for the continuation of evaluation services for the Generation Study directly to University College London (UCL), pursuant to the provisions of Schedule 5, Part 7 of the Procurement Act 2023. Under this statutory framework, a direct award is permissible where the public contract concerns the supply of services by the existing supplier, intended as an extension to, or partial replacement of, existing services, and where specific conditions are satisfied.
In the present circumstances, the evaluation services to be provided by UCL are a direct extension of the supplier's existing contractual obligations and are integral to the ongoing delivery of the Generation Study. The Authority has determined that a change in supplier would result in the receipt of services that are materially different from, or incompatible with, those previously supplied, as contemplated by paragraph 7(a) of Schedule 5. UCL has established bespoke methodologies, data structures, and analytical frameworks which are essential to the continuity and integrity of the evaluation process. The introduction of an alternative supplier would give rise to disproportionate technical difficulties in operation and maintenance, including, but not limited to, the risk of inconsistency in longitudinal data collection, misalignment of analytical processes, and disruption to established reporting mechanisms, as set out in paragraph 7(b).
Accordingly, the Authority is satisfied that the proposed direct award to UCL is both necessary and proportionate, ensuring the seamless continuation of services and safeguarding the technical integrity of the Generation Study. This approach is fully compliant with the statutory requirements and transparency obligations set out in the Procurement Act 2023.
Supplier
UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON
- Companies House: RC000631
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PNCM-7343-ZHTN
Gower Street
London
WC1E 6BT
United Kingdom
Email: researchservices@ucl.ac.uk
Website: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/
Region: UKI31 - Camden and City of London
Small or medium-sized enterprise (SME): No
Voluntary, community or social enterprise (VCSE): No
Contract 1
Contracting authority
GENOMICS ENGLAND LIMITED
- Companies House: 08493132
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PBTW-5897-QJGY
Level 21 One Canada Square
London
E14 5AB
United Kingdom
Email: CCSM@genomicsengland.co.uk
Region: UKI42 - Tower Hamlets
Organisation type: Public authority - central government