UK Public Sector Contracts & Tenders

North Northamptonshire Council is seeking to procure a Point of Care Testing (POCT) solution to support delivery of the NHS Health Checks programme from 1 April 2027. The requirement includes POCT analysers, consumables, maintenance, repair and replacement arrangements, quality assurance, training, technical support and account management. POCT enables trained NHS Health Checks providers to obtain cholesterol and HbA1c results during the health check appointment, supporting immediate risk assessment, patient discussion and appropriate follow-up. Further review has confirmed that the current screening-based POCT model remains clinically appropriate and proportionate for the NHS Health Checks pathway. The current contract expires on 31st March 2027. The Council's analyser estate is ageing, with a significant proportion of devices expected to require replacement during the new contract period. Contract management concerns have also been identified in relation to asset tracking and external quality control oversight. The proposed procurement will therefore secure a comprehensive and clearly managed POCT contract, reducing fragmentation and strengthening quality assurance, lifecycle management and Council oversight.

North Northamptonshire Council (hereafter known as "the Council") are looking to carry out Preliminary Market Engagement (hereafter referred to as "Pre-Market Engagement") in relation to the capability and capacity of a potential supplier providing the services detailed below. A Council owned former horse paddock on the outskirts of Kettering, Northamptonshire has been re-scheduled for woodland plantation. The 2.45ha site has secured a grant from the Forestry Commission to plant a new woodland of 3134 trees. The land is situated off Deeble Road, Kettering (Grid Reference: SP 883 709). The proposed net area of woodland creation is 1.96ha with 20% proposed integral open space incorporated into the design. Trees will be planted with 2.5m spacing, totalling 1600 stems per hectare. The new woodland has been designated a community woodland and will be planted by volunteers drawn from Kettering and the wider North Northamptonshire area. It is estimated that approximately 150 + volunteers will need to be recruited to undertake the two-year planting schedule. The Council is seeking a delivery partner to manage the physical planting, maintenance and aftercare of the new woodland. This will include: (i) the recruitment and training of volunteers drawn from the local area (ii) mapping out and planning tree planting locations, incorporating pathways as outlined in grant agreement map (iii) planting of trees at a rate close to 2000 whips per planting season and providing all necessary tools and equipment (iv) managing the mulching of the whips and delivering a spring/summer watering and maintenance cycle for two years. The purpose of this Pre-Market Engagement is to understand market appetite and to engage with appropriate contractors to support the development of this project.