Scope
Reference
GMCA 1635
Description
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is seeking to commission a service to provide analytical testing of substances of concern, and research into emerging drug trends across the city region.
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) co-ordinates a Drugs Intelligence System to provide up to date information on drug use across Greater Manchester including emerging risks, drug alerts, and information on drug related deaths.
The contract will be for an initial period of 3 years, with the option to renew for two further 12-month periods.
Total value (estimated)
- £393,726 excluding VAT
- £472,471.20 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 March 2026 to 28 February 2029
- Possible extension to 28 February 2031
- 5 years
Description of possible extension:
A GMCA Proposed Budget for the Research into Emerging Drug Trends tender, has been supplied in the Pricing document in detail for the initial contracting period.
All tender response documents can only be accessed via The Chest (the North West Procurement Portal) - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/.
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73000000 - Research and development services and related consultancy services
- 85000000 - Health and social work services
- 98000000 - Other community, social and personal services
Contract locations
- UKD3 - Greater Manchester
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Enquiry deadline
19 December 2025, 5:00pm
Tender submission deadline
12 January 2026, 12:00pm
Submission address and any special instructions
All tender responses must be submitted via The Chest. For the avoidance of doubt, tenders received in any other way will be rejected.
All tenders must be submitted via The Chest (the North West Procurement Portal) - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/.
Tenders may be submitted electronically
Yes
Languages that may be used for submission
English
Award decision date (estimated)
20 February 2026
Award criteria
| Name | Description | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality, Price & Social Value | The contract will be awarded on the basis of the most advantageous tender in line with the published award criteria and scoring methodology. A following award criteria will be used to assess tenders;... |
Quality | 100% |
Other information
Payment terms
Payment terms are stated in contract of service document. This can be accessed via the Chest portal https://www.the-chest.org.uk/
Applicable trade agreements
- Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
Conflicts assessment prepared/revised
Yes
Procedure
Procedure type
Open procedure
Documents
Associated tender documents
https://www.the-chest.org.uk/
All tenders must be submitted via The Chest (the North West Procurement Portal) - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/.
All tender responses must be submitted via The Chest. For the avoidance of doubt, tenders received in any other way will be rejected.
Technical specifications to be met
https://www.the-chest.org.uk/
All tenders documents can only be accessed via The Chest (the North West Procurement Portal) - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/
For new suppliers please register via The Chest (the North West Procurement Portal) - https://www.the-chest.org.uk/
Contracting authority
Greater Manchester Combined Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PXBN-3793-LCTQ
56 Oxford Street
Manchester
M1 6EU
United Kingdom
Region: UKD33 - Manchester
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government