Biological Sample Testing and Storage

The scope of the procurement is for the processing and storage of various types of biological samples from approximately 5 million people, including saliva and blood (such as but not limited to EDTA, PST, ctDNA and RNA samples) with the aim to commence from October 2021. Processing will include fraction separation by centrifugation, aliquoting and long-term storage (-80 degrees ULT) of samples at HTA licenced facility with effective IT systems for tracking, accessing the samples for re-testing over the long term. There may also be a requirement to handle safe disposal of samples at some stage through their lifecycle, Additionally, the process is expected to isolate DNA from saliva and buffy coat. Isolated DNA will need to adhere to quality and quantity standard for subsequent analysis such as SNP arrays or any other type of genotyping including whole genome sequencing, therefore quantification by UV Absorbance, fluorescence-based method or Electrophoresis and sample normalisation will be required. Genotyping, including SNP chip, will be an essential requirement of the service and we are seeking to understand the market for these services to determine if it should form a separate procurement Lot. Suppliers might be required to process identifiable personal data, de-identify samples providing sample traceability and robust Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) with potential to integrate with external IT system and secure data transfers. Samples will be collected across the United Kingdom including Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. The scope of this PIN does not include the collection or transportation of blood samples to the processing site. However, we are considering the option to include the fulfilment service of home saliva kits in scope of this procurement including reviewing options for the purchase of the saliva collection kits for genetic analysis. Our Future Health would like to undertake pre-marketing engagement activities following this PIN and invites interested parties to contact OFH@akesoco.com if they should like to be considered for involvement. The intention to hold pre-procurement engagement meetings during the week commencing 10th May 2021, these will be held remotely, the exact date and time to be confirmed. To enable arrangements for the supplier engagement meetings, interested organisations are required to send an expression of interest via email to OFH@akesoco.com by no later than 17:00 hrs (GMT) on 5th May. We will then send a short questionnaire for you to complete in advance of the presentation and meeting. There will be a presentation and group Q&A session for all suppliers. Suppliers will be invited to an individual Q&A and feedback session.