Higher Specialist Scientist Training Programme (HSST)

Procurement reference

C455947

Procurement description

NHS England Workforce, Training and Education is seeking to re-procure the Higher Specialist Scientist Training (HSST) academic delivery programme.

There are 13 lots within this procurement

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot

The initial contract term shall be five (5) years. The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years in accordance with the Contract. Following expiry of the Initial Term or any Extension Term, the contract may continue solely for the purposes of any applicable Run-Off Period, exit and transition arrangements, and any other provisions which expressly or by implication survive expiry or termination, as set out in the Contract (Document 4 Terms & Conditions).

Total funding available is £42,186,230.80 . This will train up to 1277 learners across all lots. The maximum price per learner for the 5 years course is:

Life Sciences: £25,275.60 per learner (excluding VAT)

Non-Life Sciences: £37,915.00 per learner (excluding VAT)

The deadline for submission of completed ITT submissions is 4th September 2026 at 12:00pm (midday).

Late submissions will not be accepted therefore, please submit in good time prior to the deadline date and time. All communications should be made via the messaging function on the e-Tendering portal during the tender exercise.

The Contracting Authority requests that all communications are channelled through the e-portal system and not with the Contracting Authority itself other than as expressly permitted within this ITT.

Further information relating to this project can be found at NHSE e-tendering portal at the link below. All clarification questions and submission bids must be received via this portal only. Registration is free of charge.

https://health-family-contract-search.secure.force.com/?SearchType=Projects

Main category

Services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Total value (estimated, excluding VAT)

42186230.80 GBP to 42186230.80GBP

Contract dates (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM to 31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (if all the extensions are used): 31 August 2034

NHS England

Procedure type

Open procedure

Is this procurement under a special regime?

Light touch

Is the total value above threshold?

Above threshold

Trade agreements

Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)

Description

Clinical Bioinformatics (Genomics) Non LS

Genetic counselling (to be written) LS

Genetics LS

129 places over the full 7 years

Up to two providers to be appointed

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

4157949.80 GBP Excluding VAT

4989539.76 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Histopathology LS

Molecular Pathology of Acquired Disease LS

71 places over the 7 year contract

One supplier will be appointed to this lot.

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1794567.60 GBP Excluding VAT

2153481.12 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Reproductive Science LS

67 places over the 7 year contract

One supplier to be appointed ted to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1693465.20 GBP Excluding VAT

2032158.24 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Description

Clinical Bioinformatics (Physical Sciences) Non LS

Clinical Bioinformatics (Health Informatics) Non LS

Clinical Biomedical Engineering Non LS

Reconstructive Science Non LS

91 places over the 7 year contract

One supplier to be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

3450265.00 GBP Excluding VAT

4140318.00

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Imaging Physics Non LS

113 places over the 7 year contract

Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

4284395.00 GBP Excluding VAT

5141274.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Description

Radiotherapy Physics Non LS

77 places over the 7 year contract

Up to two providers may be appointed to this lot.

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Award criteria

Weighting description

Technical General 50%

Technical Lot Specific 30%

Social Value 10%

Commercial 10%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (General)

Description

50%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (lot Specific)

Description

30%

Type: quality

Name

Social Value

Description

10%

Type: price

Name

Commercial

Description

10%

Award criteria

Weighting description

Technical General 50%

Technical Lot Specific 30%

Social Value 10%

Commercial 10%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (General)

Description

50%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (lot Specific)

Description

30%

Type: quality

Name

Social Value

Description

10%

Type: price

Name

Commercial

Description

10%

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

2919455.00 GBP Excluding VAT

3503346.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Clinical Biochemistry LS

71 places over the 7 year contract

One provider will be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1794567.60 GBP Excluding VAT

2153481.12 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Award criteria

Description

Clinical Immunology LS

Histocompatibility and Immunogenetics LS

60 places over the 7 year contract

One provider may be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1516536.00 GBP Excluding VAT

1819843.20 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Haematology Clinical Science & Transfusion Science (2 separate specialisms) LS

63 places over the 7 year contract

One provider will be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

1592362.80 GBP Excluding VAT

1910835.36 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Microbiology and Virology( two separate HSST specialisms) LS

103 places over the 7 year contract

Up to two providers may be appointed to this lot.

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

2603386.80 GBP Excluding VAT

3124064.16 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Description

Audiological Science Non LS

Neurophysiological Science Non LS

Ophthalmic & Vision Sciences Non LS

103 places over the 7 year contract

Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot.

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

7090105.00 GBP Excluding VAT

8508126.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Award criteria

Weighting description

Technical General 50%

Technical Lot Specific 30%

Social Value 10%

Commercial 10%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (General)

Description

50%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (lot Specific)

Description

30%

Type: quality

Name

Social Value

Description

10%

Type: price

Name

Commercial

Description

10%

Award criteria

Weighting description

Technical General 50%

Technical Lot Specific 30%

Social Value 10%

Commercial 10%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (General)

Description

50%

Type: quality

Name

Technical (lot Specific)

Description

30%

Type: quality

Name

Social Value

Description

10%

Type: price

Name

Commercial

Description

10%

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description

Gastrointestinal Physiology Non LS

Respiratory & Sleep Sciences Non LS

Urodynamic Sciences Non LS

70 places over the 7 year course

Up to two providers will be awarded to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

Lot value (estimated)

2654050.00 GBP Excluding VAT

3184860.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Description

Cardiac Science Non LS

Vascular Science Non LS

175 places over the 7 year contract

Up to two providers will be appointed to this lot

CPV classifications

• 80000000 - Education and training services
• 80300000 - Higher education services
• 80561000 - Health training services

Delivery regions

• UK - United Kingdom

  Award criteria

  Weighting description

  Technical General 50%

  Technical Lot Specific 30%

  Social Value 10%

  Commercial 10%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Technical (General)

  Description

  50%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Technical (lot Specific)

  Description

  30%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Social Value

  Description

  10%

  Type: price

  Name

  Commercial

  Description

  10%

  Award criteria

  Weighting description

  Technical General 50%

  Technical Lot Specific 30%

  Social Value 10%

  Commercial 10%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Technical (General)

  Description

  50%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Technical (lot Specific)

  Description

  30%

  Type: quality

  Name

  Social Value

  Description

  10%

  Type: price

  Name

  Commercial

  Description

  10%

Lot value (estimated)

6635125.00 GBP Excluding VAT

7962150.00 GBP Including VAT

Sustainability

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SME)

Voluntary, community and social enterprises (VCSE)

Contract start date (estimated)

01 September 2027, 00:00AM

Contract end date (estimated)

31 August 2032, 23:59PM

Extension end date (estimated)

31 August 2034, 23:59PM

Can the contract be extended?

Yes

Description of extensions

The Contracting Authority may, at its discretion, extend the contract for a period of up to two (2) years

Description of how multiple lots may be awarded

Suppliers may bid for more than one lot, and my be awarded multiple lots. If a supplier is awarded more than one lot they will be combined into one contract.

Lots 1a,2b,2c,4a,5a,6a,6b may be awarded up to two suppliers. The remaining lots one supplier will be awarded.

Award criteria

Description of risks to contract performance

The estimated value of contracts awarded following this procurement process are based upon modelled student numbers and historic data. Student numbers may fluctuate over the life of the contracts and therefore the individual contract values may increase or decrease over the contracted period. The price per student is fixed for this requirement and an increase or decrease in student numbers will have no impact on the price per student cost.

Therefore, there is the possibility that a modification under the Materialisation of Known Risk ground may be required at some point during the life of the contract.

The estimated contract values awarded following this procurement process are based on the prices submitted at contract award. The contracts include provisions for indexation, which may be applied during the contract term in accordance with the agreed contractual mechanism. As the future impact of indexation cannot be determined at the point of award, the total contract values may increase over the life of the contracts.

Therefore, there is the possibility that a modification under the Materialisation of a Known Risk ground may be required during the life of the contract to reflect the application of the agreed indexation provisions.

Tender submission deadline

04 September 2026, 12:00PM

Enquiry deadline

24 August 2026, 17:00PM

Date of award of contract

22 October 2026, 23:59PM

Submission address and any special instructions

To express interest and participate in the tender, please register and apply via Atamis e-sourcing portal https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome.Should Tenderers have any queries, or having problems using the portal, they should contact Helpdesk at:Phone: 0800 9956035E-mail: support-health@atamis.co.uk

May tenders be submitted electronically?

Yes

Is this a recurring procurement?

No

Publication date of next tender notice (estimated)

22 October 2026, 23:59PM

Languages that may be used for submission

• English