Scope
Reference
C390121
Description
This Preliminary Market Engagement Notice is to initiate market engagement activities, participation in this engagement does not imply any commitment from the Participating Authorities regarding future procurement decisions.
The information contained in this Preliminary Market Engagement Notice may be subject to further amendment and revision. Accordingly, no representation or warranty, expressed or implied is, or will be made; and no liability is, or will be, accepted by the Participating Authorities as to the adequacy, accuracy or completeness of any information shared during this engagement. Any liability however arising is expressly disclaimed and no expense in responding to this engagement will be reimbursed by the Authorities.
Collaborating Blood Establishment / Participating Authorities "the Authorities":
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT),
Welsh Blood Service (WBS),
Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS), Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service (NIBTS),
Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS),
Australian Red Cross Lifeblood (ARCL);
New Zealand Blood Service (NZBS);
In addition, and subject to confirmation other member blood establishments of the European Blood Alliance (EBA) will be entitled to call-off from the Framework (if established).
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is looking to establish a Framework Agreement for primary blood packs, ancillary blood processing packs, sample pouches, additive solutions and automated/semi-automated blood processing technology to commence mid-2027.
Precise quantities are unknown at this time, however anticipated expenditure will be in the region of up to £40M in the first year of the Framework, however this is approximate only and the value will depend on the requirements of the Authorities purchasing under the Framework.
Estimated Value over an 8-year Framework Agreement term is approximately 500M to £800M (dependent on the requirement of the Authorities and participation by additional EBA members).
The Framework will be between NHS Blood and Transplant and the awarded Suppliers. Call-off Contracts will be between the individual blood establishments and the Supplier.
The anticipated Lot Structure for this procurement is set out as follows:
Lot 1: Blood Packs
*Primary Whole Blood Collection
Lot 2: Ancillary Blood Processing Systems
*Ancillary Blood Processing Systems for component development
*Sample Pouch for Quality Monitoring of components
Lot 3: Additive Solutions
*For the suspension of pooled and apheresis platelets (Platelet Additive Solution)
*For the washing and re-suspension of 'washed' platelets
*For the washing and storage of red blood cells
Lot 4: Automated or Semi-Automatic Blood Processing
Main Objectives of this Market Engagement:
- To understand the current market landscape
- To understand supplier capabilities and capacity.
- To understand new and innovative ideas and better understand what is possible.
-To gather information on available and emerging technologies.
- To inform the development of technical specifications and the procurement strategy.
Who Should Respond:
This notice is open to any potential supplier i.e. manufacturer, distributor, product supplier with experience in supplying blood collection and processing equipment to healthcare or blood service organisations.
To respond to this opportunity, please visit:
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
register or login and search C390121 Preliminary Market Engagement Blood Bags, Ancillary Packs, Additive Solutions and Automated/Semi-Automated Blood Processing Technology Request for Information (RFI)
Commercial tool
Establishes a framework
Total value (estimated)
- £800,000,000 excluding VAT
- £960,000,000 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 1 November 2027 to 31 October 2035
- 8 years
Main procurement category
Goods
CPV classifications
- 33141613 - Blood bags
- 33194220 - Blood-transfusion supplies
- 33194210 - Blood-transfusion devices
- 33692000 - Medical solutions
- 33141614 - Plasma bags
- 33141610 - Collection bag
- 33141570 - Human blood
- 33141510 - Blood products
- 33141630 - Blood plasma filters
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
- UKL - Wales
- IE - Ireland
- IE0 - Ireland
- UKN - Northern Ireland
- UKN0 - Northern Ireland
- UKM - Scotland
- NZ - New Zealand
Engagement
Engagement deadline
10 November 2025
Engagement process description
Ongoing Market Engagement:
*Commercial Supplier RFI response to be sent to Authority by 22 January 2026 @17:00
*Commercial Supplier Meetings - week commencing 2 Feb 2026
*Outcome/Summary of Preliminary Market Engagement issued to Suppliers w/c 2 March 2026.
Participation
Particular suitability
- Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)
- Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
1 July 2026
Contracting authority
NHS Blood and Transplant
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PDBY-6395-VWBP
500 North Bristol Park
Bristol
BS34 7QH
United Kingdom
Region: UKK12 - Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire
Organisation type: Public authority - central government