UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

The Provision of Occupational and Vocational Driver Training

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is procuring delivery partners for the Donor and Session Programme (DASP), a strategic digital transformation programme to modernise donor engagement, appointment booking, session management and related donor-facing and operational capabilities across blood, platelets and plasma. The procurement is divided into two Lots: Lot 1: Technical Implementation Partner The Technical Implementation Partner will support the technical implementation of the selected CRM Platform and associated digital ecosystem. The scope includes solution design, configuration, integration, data migration, testing, deployment, transition, implementation governance, technical assurance and operational readiness. Suppliers tendering for Lot 1 must align their Tender Response to one of the eligible CRM Platforms identified in the Invitation to Tender documents. The proposed technical solution, implementation approach and associated commercial submissions must be prepared consistently on the basis of the selected CRM Platform. Lot 2: Business Change Partner The Business Change Partner will support the business change, adoption and operational transformation required to implement DASP successfully. The scope includes operating model and workforce transformation, stakeholder engagement, change impact assessment, communications, learning and capability development, adoption planning, business readiness, benefits realisation and transition to business as usual. NHSBT intends to award a single-supplier contract for each Lot. Suppliers may tender for either Lot or both Lots but must submit a complete and independently compliant Tender Response for each Lot tendered for. The full requirements, eligible CRM Platforms, procurement procedure, Conditions of Participation, award criteria, evaluation methodology, timetable, contract terms and submission instructions are set out in the Invitation to Tender and associated tender documents available through Atamis under reference C468497.

This project aims to procure a HTP DNA extraction solution, ensuring continuity and scalability of DNA-based diagnostic services

NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT) Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics function intends to undertake a Procurement Act 2023 tender exercise for the supply of HLA sequencing systems. Histocompatibility & Immunogenetics (H&I) is a strategic business function of NHSBT, providing testing and support in transplantation, specialised transfusion including the supply of selected blood products, immunogenetics, platelet and granulocyte immunology. Services are supplied through a national network of six laboratories across England. Building on our strengths as a national provider, NHSBT’s strategic aim is for its diagnostic services to become the preferred provider and supplier of choice for these services in the NHS in England. We would like to work with future suppliers to realise this ambition and to perform HLA typing in an efficient, timely and cost-effective manner to meet the demands and expectations of our customers and the patients we serve. Prior to commencing a formal procurement process and to help inform our strategy, NHSBT is seeking to engage with suppliers of commercially available HLA sequencing systems. Our current contract ends in August 2028 and NHSBT would like to improve our knowledge of all current and future systems available in the marketplace. This will aid identification of opportunities and gauge market interest in this field. We require HLA typing systems to cover the following: · Allelic Test Kits SHOULD detect and uniquely identify all alleles of the HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DRB3/4/5, DQA1, DQB1, DPA1 and DPB1 loci at the level of resolution that additionally defines the third field according to WHO nomenclature by at least resolving all ambiguities resulting from: (1) polymorphisms located within the exons coding for HLA class I and class II proteins and (2) that encompass a null allele wherever the polymorphism is located. · The optimal solution SHOULD define fourth field level resolution. · We are not restricting which sequencing platform the allelic test kits are compatible with, however HLA typing should be completed within 72 hours of the start of the process. NB: Procurement of the above systems may be managed by individual tenders. It is NHSBT's intention to hold pre-procurement engagement meetings the week of 21OCT2026 to 23OCT2026 these will be held remotely, the date to be confirmed. To enable NHSBT to finalise arrangements (e.g. send meeting details and agree time slots) for the supplier engagement meetings, interested organisations are required to send an expression of interest via email to [email protected] by no later than 17:00 hrs (GMT) on 09OCT2026. This should include a list of your potential attendees and a brief overview (or a website link) of the Goods / Services which might be offered. Please include options, if available, to offer a managed service contract. No business whatsoever is guaranteed under any resulting framework agreement or contract, and there is no guarantee that any framework agreement or contract will be put in place in relation to this notice. No compensation etc. will be paid if a tender or resulting framework agreement is withdrawn for any reason. Bidders should take part in this process only on the basis that they fully understand and accept this position. It should be noted that this procurement exercise may allow other Health authorities to utilise any contracts/ framework agreements awarded.

Background NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is responsible for collecting, processing, testing and supplying blood components to hospitals across England. As part of this role, NHSBT operates a network of blood centres, manufacturing facilities and hospitals services departments that require the safe and compliant storage of platelet components. Platelets must be stored under controlled conditions and maintained under continuous agitation to ensure product quality, safety and compliance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements (JPAC/BSQR). NHSBT currently utilises Helmer platelet agitators and incubators across its sites to support these activities. Helmer models in operation include: PC4200, PC1200, PC900, PC2200 NHSBT is undertaking a Preliminary Market Engagement exercise to gain a better understanding of the current market, available technologies, product developments and service models relating to platelet agitators and incubators. The information gathered will help inform the development of the technical specification, procurement strategy and future requirements. Requirements NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is seeking to engage with the market in advance of a potential future procurement for the supply, installation and maintenance of platelet agitator and incubator equipment used for the storage of platelet components within NHSBT facilities. The engagement process seeks to better understand the following (but is not limited to): • Current products and technologies available within the market. • Equipment platelet storage capacity • Configuration options (connectivity to environmental monitoring systems). • Regulatory compliance • Validation support. • Maintenance and servicing arrangements. • Sustainability and energy efficiency considerations • Supply chain resilience and lead times. NHSBT anticipates that the future requirement may include a range of platelet storage solutions across multiple locations and operational settings. These include: • Large floor-standing platelet incubator and agitator systems. • Smaller benchtop platelet agitators and incubators. • Solutions capable of accommodating both agitating and non-agitating platelet storage within the same unit or integrated system. NHSBT requires platelet storage solutions capable of maintaining platelet components in accordance with applicable regulatory and quality requirements, including controlled storage at 20°C to 24°C and continuous agitation where required. NHSBT is seeking feedback from suppliers regarding the availability of such solutions, associated configurations, capacity ranges and any alternative approaches that may offer operational, technical or commercial benefits. Proposed Lot Structure NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is considering a procurement comprising three separate lots. The final lot structure and scope will be informed by the outcome of this Preliminary Market Engagement exercise. Lot 1: Supply and Maintenance of Platelet Incubators and Agitators This lot will include the supply, installation, commissioning, validation support, maintenance and repair of: • Large floor-standing platelet incubator and agitator systems. • Smaller benchtop platelet agitators and incubators. • Associated accessories, spare parts and consumables where applicable. • User training and technical support services. Lot 2: Supply and Maintenance of Dual-Function Platelet Storage Solutions NHSBT are considering a separate lot for this requirement due to limited understanding of the availability of this technology in the market. This lot will include the supply, installation, commissioning, validation support, maintenance and repair of solutions capable of accommodating both agitating and non-agitating platelet storage within the same unit or integrated system. NHSBT is interested in understanding the range of solutions available within the market, including capacity options, operational benefits, monitoring capabilities and maintenance requirements. Lot 3: Maintenance of Existing Platelet Incubators and Agitators This lot will include maintenance and support services for around 170 platelet incubators and agitators currently operated by NHSBT, including: • Preventative maintenance • Calibration to two points as a minimum • Equipment servicing and inspection. • Breakdown and emergency repair services. • Supply of replacement parts. • Technical support

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is seeking to engage with suppliers and manufacturers of Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) used in the cryopreservation of stem cell and immunotherapy products. The purpose of this preliminary market engagement is to improve NHSBT's understanding of the current market, available products, supply chain capabilities, packaging options, quality standards, innovation opportunities, and market capacity ahead of a potential future procurement exercise. The requirement is expected to include sterile, pyrogen-free DMSO with a minimum purity of 99.9%, supplied in a range of formats including vials, bottles, bags and/or syringes suitable for use within NHSBT Cellular and Molecular Therapies laboratories. NHSBT is also interested in understanding supplier capabilities relating to quality assurance, business continuity arrangements, supply resilience, sustainability initiatives, and future product developments.

NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) is undertaking preliminary market engagement to inform its procurement and commercial strategy for a future Total Facilities Management (TFM) contract. NHSBT currently operates a multi-supplier facilities management model, with separate contracts for services including cleaning, planned and reactive maintenance, security, grounds maintenance and waste management. NHSBT is considering a transition to an integrated TFM model in order to support: • consistent service standards across approximately 85 sites; • improved operational efficiency and resilience; • simplified governance and accountability; and • enhanced value for money through integrated service delivery. NHSBT is also seeking insight into a Facilities Management (FM) platform to support service delivery under an NEC4-based contractual framework. This includes support contract administration, performance management, asset data integration, workflow automation, and collaborative working in alignment with NEC4 principles. The purpose of this preliminary market engagement is to: - Gauge market interest and capacity - Understand supplier experience and capability - Explore innovative delivery models and best practice - Inform the development of the procurement and contract approach - Identify opportunities to improve service delivery, value for money, social value, and sustainability outcomes - Understand lessons learned from comparable contracts and projects Pre-market engagement may take a variety of forms, including but not limited to: -Supplier questionnaires or Requests for Information (RFIs) -One-to-one supplier meetings -Supplier engagement days or market briefing events -Site visits and estate tours -Workshops and presentations -Discussions regarding supplier experience of delivering NEC4 Facilities Management Contracts -Demonstrations of systems, technology, or innovation solutions -Written feedback on proposed service models, specifications, KPIs, or commercial arrangements -Any other forms of engagement considered appropriate to support the development of the procurement strategy and requirements This engagement is intended to help inform the shape of the opportunity and should not be taken to indicate that NHSBT has selected any particular solution, structure or supplier approach.