Prior information notice
This notice is for prior information only
Section I: Contracting
authority
I.1) Name and addresses
NHS England
Wellington House, 133-135 Waterloo Rd
London
SE1 8UG
UK
Contact person: Collette Palmer
E-mail: collette.palmer@nhs.net
NUTS: UKJ1
Internet address(es)
Main address: https://www.england.nhs.uk/
Address of the buyer profile: https://www.england.nhs.uk/
I.3) Communication
Additional information can be obtained from the abovementioned address
Electronic communication requires the use of tools and devices that are not generally available. Unrestricted and full direct access to these tools and devices is possible, free of charge, at:
https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome
I.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
I.5) Main activity
Health
Section II: Object
II.1) Scope of the procurement
II.1.1) Title
External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory
Reference number: C397948
II.1.2) Main CPV code
85100000
II.1.3) Type of contract
Services
II.1.4) Short description
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/><br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest and participate in the market questionnaire which will provide feedback to commissioners. Please note that this is not a call for competition although the commissioner would encourage all potential providers to respond to this market engagement exercise.
II.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT:
2 400 000.00
GBP
II.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots:
No
II.2) Description
II.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS code:
UK
II.2.4) Description of the procurement
NHS Arden and Greater East Midlands Commissioning Support Unit (AGCSU), on behalf of NHS England Specialised Commissioning (referred to as the Commissioner), is undertaking a market engagement exercise to understand the current and future capacity and capability for the provision of NHS Genomic Medicine Service (GMS) External Quality Assessment (EQA) service for the tests listed in the Genomic Test Directory services across England from potential providers within this specialised commissioning area. <br/>Interested parties are encouraged to register their interest only if they are able to deliver the full list of the requirements. Participation to this market engagement will close at 12 noon of Friday 21st November 2025.<br/><br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to:<br/>The NHS Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH) Service Specification requires each NHS GLH to: <br/>• Deliver the genomic tests which are prescribed in the NHS National Genomic Testing Directory (the Directory); <br/>• Participate and achieve satisfactory performance in UKAS-accredited (or newly developed pilots offered in compliance with ISO 17043) external quality assurance schemes to assure the quality of testing, analysis, interpretation and reporting of tests prescribed in the Directory, including Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS), in the following areas: <br/><br/>The anticipated contract duration for this service is 2 years, with an option to extend the contract by a further 1 year period at the Commissioner’s discretion. The total contract value of £2,400,000.00 includes the 1 year option to extend.<br/><br/>If, as a result of the market engagement, competition is absent or minimal, the Commissioner may use the Most Suitable Provider Process or Direct Award Process C. Where competition is absent, Direct Award Process A will be utilised.<br/><br/>Following market engagement and review of capable providers, the Commissioner will consider the most appropriate PSR process to formally commission this service.<br/>NHS England (National) Specialised Commissioning is the contracting and commissioning authority for this service. To register your interest and access the questionnaire, please follow this link: <br/>https://health-family.force.com/s/Welcome <br/>The project reference is C397948 and the closing date for submission of the completed questionnaire is: 12 noon Friday 21st November 2025.
II.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice:
30/01/2026
Section IV: Procedure
IV.1) Description
IV.1.8) Information about Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement:
Yes
Section VI: Complementary information
VI.5) Date of dispatch of this notice
30/10/2025